Keep 100 Girls in School in Juba City Using Meals

Fueling Potential in the Heart of Juba

In the bustling, often unpredictable environment of Juba, school is more than just a place of learning for 100 vulnerable girls—it is their sanctuary. However, the path to education in our city is fraught with challenges. Rising food costs, economic instability, and the pressure to contribute to household survival mean that many young girls are forced to choose between an empty stomach and an empty classroom.

At SSGID, we believe no girl should have to make that choice. Our commitment to providing nutritious school meals acts as a vital safety net, ensuring these 100 girls can remain focused on their books rather than their hunger.

The Face of Resilience: Meet Mary Abuk

Mary Abuk is a brilliant 17-year-old student whose determination inspires everyone at her school. Living in a crowded neighborhood in Juba, Mary Abuk often arrived at school exhausted after helping her mother with household chores before dawn, and she would frequently miss classes altogether due to the lack of food at home.

The reality for girls like Mary Abuk in Juba is harsh; when food is scarce, school attendance is often the first sacrifice. Since entering our program, Mary Abuk hasn't missed a single day. Her teacher shares, "Mary Abuk’s transformation is incredible. She is now one of the top students in her class. That daily meal gives her the strength to stand tall and pursue her dreams of becoming a teacher." Mary Abuk is proof that when we remove the hurdle of hunger, a girl’s potential is limitless.

A Message to Our Supporters

We must be transparent: this quarter, we have faced significant headwinds in our fundraising efforts and could not raise the full amount required to sustain our reach. While this is a setback, it has not slowed our spirit. We remain deeply committed to Mary Abuk and the other 99 girls who rely on us every single day.

We are still actively appealing for support. We invite our loyal individual donors, as well as new partners and foundations, to help us close this gap. Your investment in these 100 girls in Juba is an investment in the stability and future of our community.

How You Can Join the Movement

• Donate: Your contribution goes directly toward the purchase of fresh, nutritious food for our 100 students.
• Share Our Story: Tell a friend or colleague about the challenges girls in Juba face and how a simple meal changes everything.
• Advocate: We are looking for foundations interested in gender equality and education in South Sudan. Connecting us could change a life.

We are profoundly grateful for your unwavering belief in our mission. Even in times of scarcity, your support provides the hope these girls need to keep moving forward. Thank you for standing with the girls of Juba.

Links:

• Her Desk Is Empty Because She's Hungry | Help Keep Girls in Scho

Project Report: Fueling Dreams in Juba City

Project Title: Keep 100 Girls in School in Juba City Using Meals

Organization: SSGID (South Sudan Grassroots Initiative for Development)

Reporting Period: January 2026

The Silent Classrooms and the Weight of Hunger

As we walk through the quiet school courtyards of Juba this January, there is a sense of anticipation in the air. While the classrooms are currently silent for the holiday season, the mission of SSGID remains louder than ever.

For a young girl in Juba, the barrier to education isn't just the cost of books or uniforms it is often the persistent ache of an empty stomach. It is nearly impossible to focus on a math equation or a history lesson when your last meal was twenty-four hours ago. In many households here, parents are forced to make an impossible choice: send their daughter to school hungry, or keep her home to help find the next meal.

A Tale of Two Realities

Imagine a bright 12-year-old girl in the heart of Juba. Last term, her seat at the back of the classroom was often empty. When she did attend, her head often rested on her desk, not out of boredom, but out of exhaustion. Her mother shared with us that without a guaranteed meal at school, the walk was too long and the day was too taxing.

Now, imagine that same girl’s face when she learned that, starting in February, a warm, nutritious meal would be waiting for her every single day. The transformation is immediate. The "choice" between food and education disappears. Because of your generosity, she isn't just a student anymore she is a child who is seen, fed, and supported. For her, and 99 others like her, a school meal is the bridge between a life of labor and a life of opportunity.

February: From Preparation to Action

As schools prepare to reopen their doors in February, our team at SSGID is working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure we are ready to serve:

• Securing the Supply: We are finalizing agreements with local vendors to provide fresh, healthy ingredients that support both the girls and the local economy.
• Readying the Kitchens: We are preparing the serving areas to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and safety.
• Outreach: We are continuing to meet with community leaders to ensure that the girls most at risk of dropping out are the first ones in the lunch line.

Your Continued Support is the Key

While the students are currently enjoying their holiday, this is the most critical time for our project. To ensure that these 100 girls can stay in school for the entire academic year, we must continue to build our resources.

SSGID is calling on all well-wishers and donors to continue their support during this transition period. Your contributions this month will directly determine how many plates we can fill when the school bell rings in February.

Every meal served is a day of learning secured. Every day of learning secured is a step toward a brighter South Sudan.

Thank you for being the reason these girls can dream of a future beyond hunger. We look forward to sharing photos of those first smiles and first meals very soon.

With deep gratitude,

The SSGID Team

Links:

• Empower 100 Girls in Juba, A Lifeline Through Meals