South Sudan: Education Triumphs in Primary Schools Empowers Girls in Communities

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Akuac Abraham engages in a Q&A session with her colleagues in girls'
club at Ganain Primary School. CARE International in South Sudan

By Kenyi Evans, Senior Communication Officer, CARE South Sudan

Akuac has always prioritized education, even when conflict forced her and 8,000 others to seek refuge at the UNMISS camp in Wau in 2016. After returning home in August 2022, she faced significant challenges. Having missed six years of schooling, Akuac struggled with fear and isolation from her former peers. Fortunately, CARE's "Addressing Violence against Women and Girls as Catalyst of Peace" project, funded by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided crucial support. This initiative transformed Akuac's life and helped her reintegrate into her community.

Through girls' empowerment clubs, the project educated Akuac about her rights boosted her confidence, and facilitated new friendships. Crucially, it taught her how to protect herself from harm.

Akuac, now in Primary 6 at Ganain Primary School, expressed her gratitude: "This project has significantly changed my life. I've learned to keep myself safe and no longer fear going to school. I now understand my rights and how to assert them. I'm thankful to CARE for this opportunity. The project's impact extends beyond individual empowerment, challenging community perceptions about girls. Akuac noted, "Previously, girls faced many restrictions. Now, attitudes are shifting. Even boys are learning to respect girls, marking a positive change in our community."

CARE engaged various community groups, including women's savings groups and youth clubs, to promote equal opportunities for girls and boys.

Akuac's teacher, Madam Tereza Nyarou, highlighted the sessions' importance, "With CARE's support, I have witnessed positive changes in the girls. Many were unaware of their rights, making them vulnerable to abuse. The girls' club has improved class participation, self-care, and hygiene."

Implemented in four Wau schools [Ganin Primary School, Kosti Boys' Primary School, Kosti Girls' Primary School and Aweil Jedid Primary School], CARE's project has reached 200 girls and 169 boys. They have been attending sessions covering human rights, gender-based violence (GBV), and menstrual hygiene management. The project provides dignity kits and information on support services. Boys' involvement has led to positive behavioural changes, reducing peer abuse.

These initiatives are crucial for raising gender and protection awareness and addressing GBV. With financial support from the German government, CARE collaborates with national organizations like Communication for Life Change and the Center for Strengthening Community Voices. The project, active in Wau and Pariang states, significantly impacts young girls and their communities.

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