In the
remote village of Napetait Boma, Kapoeta North County, 16-year-old Emily
Lopir’s story mirrors the challenges faced by countless girls across South
Sudan. Growing up in a community where girls’ education is often undervalued,
Emily encountered significant barriers to accessing schooling. Her parents,
like many others in the area, struggled financially and did not prioritize
education for girls.
“I dropped out of school because my parents couldn’t afford the school
fees and requirements,” Emily recalls. “Basic requirements like uniforms
and school supplies kept me from attending classes like other children.”
A Glimmer of Hope
In Eastern
Equatoria State, cultural norms and economic hardship continue to hinder access
to quality education, particularly for girls. Recognizing this, AVSI, through
the Multi-Year Resilience Programme (MYRP) with support from Education
Cannot Wait (ECW), launched targeted interventions to support vulnerable
learners at St. Mary’s Magdalene Primary and Tim Galvin Secondary Schools.
In 2024,
Emily was identified as a beneficiary of this initiative. She received
comprehensive scholastic support, including school fees, uniforms, and learning
materials—removing the financial burden from her family and allowing her to
return to school.
“The support from MYRP changed my life,” Emily shares. “It helped me
complete Grade 8 and gave me hope. Before this, meeting school requirements was
a constant struggle. Now, I can dream of a brighter future.”
Looking Ahead
With her
Grade 8 certificate in hand, Emily is determined to continue her education and
pursue a university degree. “I’ve learned that my education doesn’t end
here. I want to complete my studies and give back to my community. Thanks to
ECW and AVSI, I now see the light,” she says with a smile.
Context and Impact
In South
Sudan, access to quality education remains a major challenge, especially for
girls. Economic hardship and societal attitudes often lead to high dropout
rates and limited opportunities. While long-term solutions are still needed,
targeted support like that provided through MYRP is making a tangible difference.
In 2024
alone, 74 students—31 in secondary and 43 in primary school—received support
through the programme, including six girls who successfully transitioned from
primary to secondary school. By addressing the immediate needs of learners,
AVSI and its partners are not only enabling girls like Emily to stay in school
but also protecting them from early marriage and other risks.
When a girl
is given the tools to succeed in school, she gains the power to transform her
life—and her community.
