Unleash the leaders: 400 girls in South Sudan

Dear Donors,

First, allow us all at PESS to thank you for your continued support of girls’ education and leadership development in South Sudan, the world’s most vulnerable country. As you know, this is a nation with very limited infrastructure and a long history of war and violence.  Only 0.8% of girls attend primary school and even fewer continue on to secondary. Truly, South Sudan is the most difficult place on Earth for girls and women.  It is only with your support that PESS have been able to work in such a difficult region of the world.

This update is bringing you the current challenges and celebrating seven young girls who have matriculated with honors from Ayak Anguei Girls’ Primary School onto the most prestigious secondary schools in the region!

First the current challenge then keep reading to find the seven girls who are continuing against all odds!

Due to escalating tribal violence in Jonglei state, the government and local authorities have made the decision to temporarily close down the Ayak Anguei Girl's Primary School. Our priority has always been the safety and comfort of our girls and we will not jeopardize their security. While we wait on negotiations with state and local authorities and tribal violence to subside, the girls and their families have relocated to Bortown, where there is increased security and access to education.  

Under the guidance of PESS South Sudan Director Daniel Majok Gai, the community leaders have agreed to resume teaching after negotiations with the government regarding security and resettlement of the village where Ayak Anguei Girls Primary School is located, with the projected goal no later than February 2014.  Implementation of the Student Government for Girls by Girls Program will also be resumed at that time.

Despite the incredible challenges facing girls in South Sudan, we are honored to share the success of seven former students, all of which graduated from Ayak Anguei Girl’s Primary School.  We are proud to say each of these bright students was accepted into prestigious secondary schools in Malek and Bor, Jonglei State, South Sudan.

Former Ayak Anguei Girl’s Primary School students accepted into Malek Academy in Malek, Jonglei State, South Sudan:

Akuot Chol Kuei is currently in form 2 (10^th grade) at Malek Academy.  She desperately wants to continue her education to become a doctor after completing high school. "My future career is to be a doctor and I hope I will be a great servant to our people. I want to bring freedom to my parents and my country at large. And I assure you I will fulfill my dream, since you with your good heart is willing to sponsor me.  I have been longing for this day and thanks to Almighty God that the long awaited has come."

Diing Chol Gai is currently in Form 2 (10^th grade) at Malek Academy. She desperately wants to continue her education for a mining and pilot profession after completing high school. "My favorite book is Geography Altitude and I am interested in studying mining or study to be a pilot. So I am very glad when I hear you are going to offer sponsorship for me. I wish to do something good for my country in some years to come." 

Former Ayak Anguei Girl’s Primary School students accepted into Langbar Modern Academy in Bortown, Jonglei State, South Sudan:

Yar Ayuen Mayen is currently in Form 2 (10^th grade) at Langbar Modern Academy.  

Yom Jima Bakit is currently in Form 2 (10^th grade) at Langbar Modern Academy.  

Keui Achiek Ngueny is currently in Form 2 (10^th grade) at Langbar Modern Academy.

Amer Keur Deng is currently in Form 2 (10^th grade) at Langbar Modern Academy.

Keth Kuch Kuijok is currently in Form 2 (10^th Grade) at Langbar Modern Academy. 

The girls listed here are doing amazingly well despite the fact that South Sudan struggles to find peace and security. They are each developing into strong young women with high hopes for becoming future leaders in South Sudan! Thank you for continuing to support their journey. We will keep you posted on the progress of Ayak Anguei Girls School and the Student Government for Girls by Girls. 

Sincerely,

The PESS Team

Links:

• Project Education South Sudan Website