Unleash the leaders: 400 girls in South Sudan

The story of Abuk demonstrates the fact that when girls are given opportunity, they succeed! Abuk graduated from high school 3 years ago, supported by a scholarship from Project Education South Sudan. She wanted to become a nurse.  Abuk began her studies in the Juba College of Nursing and Midwifery. Because she had focused on the sciences in high school and had been a diligent student, Abuk was admitted into a program funded by countries interested in South Sudan’s educational development. She expects to complete her program and become a fully accredited nurse in 2020. 

The co-founder of PESS, Carol Rinehart, recently interviewed Abuk to learn more about what had contributed to her success. “Being determined and hardworking has been my principle." A proverb says, “Commit your work to the Lord and your thoughts will be established.”  That proverb has been my guiding principle…” reported Abuk. She also credits encouragement of others. In addition to having a family who supports her studies, Abuk says that “PESS gave me a lot of encouragement… and PESS founder Mama Carol has been in touch with me throughout my studies…” At PESS, we have witnessed the power of encouragement. In a country where only 1% of girls complete high school, students who receive the financial support and encouragement of PESS have been graduating at about a 90% rate. 

We expect that Abuk’s story will become a powerful example of success for other girls in the PESS scholarship program. Abuk counsels younger students, “My advice to young girls as they pursue their studies is commitment. I know it is very hard to overcome some challenges… but they should try, by all means, to achieve their educational goals first.” One of last year’s graduates from high school, also a PESS scholar, is now in Kampala, Uganda, pursuing university studies in medicine. You’ve heard us talk about her before – Anna. Anna worked in the PESS office for a year and is now pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. Apparently she is taking Abuk’s advice. 

The support that many of you have been offering to PESS is now creating change in South Sudan, as young women are coming to see their potential, and beginning to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the encouragement and financial support. We thank you deeply for your support. You are helping us to “Change a nation”. Listen to the hope that this support is offering. Abuk concludes her interview with her vision for the future: “My hope about my beloved country is that no matter how the situation is now, where people are trying to settle different ideologies, there will be a time when my country will be resolved. Where everyone will have freedom of expression, freedom of movement, free basic primary and secondary education for every child, men and women will be treated according to their character; not according to their gender, unity among people and where justice will be revealed in every act.”