By Akur Chol South Sudan,
Many girls in South Sudan face the daunting challenge of early and forced marriages, a practice that robs them of their right to education.
Among them is Akur Aleer, a determined Senior Two student whose dream of completing school is threatened by poverty and family neglect.
Societal norms remain a major barrier. Many parents still believe girls are destined for marriage and household duties, not classrooms.
Gisma Nyajima who was forced to get married by her uncles reflects the challenges she went through inorder to be in school, stating that it is difficult to stay in a society where everyone thinks that you are the solutions to their problems, because you will bring wealth 9% of the girls are married off before they reach 25 years and 52%are married off between 16 to 18 years according to the analysis made by the expects on child marriage.
These attitudes, combined with financial hardship, push many young girls out of school by the time they reach Form Three or Four.
To tackle this, a dedicated group of teachers is fighting to change the narrative. Through scholarships and community sensitisation campaigns, they are working to keep girls in school while educating parents about the importance of empowering their daughters through education.
Mr Chol Ruben, the principal of Elite Secondary School, explains to Africa Culture TV that many female students drop out because of forced marriages, lack of school fees, and limited parental support.
Chol stated that, he sees most brightest female students leave before completing their studies, adding that, this is why they stepped up to give them a chance.
For Akur Aleer, this support has been life-changing, though her struggle continues. With her mother Akuol Amol, a handicapped woman who once sold local food to pay school fees now unable to work, Akur relies on a partial scholarship provided by her school. Even so, she must work at local restaurants in Juba to cover her basic needs and school supplies.
Rejected by her uncles, who chose to sponsor her elder sister’s education in Uganda, Akur has been forced to rely on the kindness of friends for shelter. Akur says she doesn’t want to return to Bor, She asserts that if she goes back, there will be no one to support her education.
Despite the hardship, Akur refuses to give up. She balances her studies with odd jobs, determined to one day finish her education and build a better future.
Her story, along with the efforts of committed teachers, underscores the ongoing struggle for gender equality in education across South Sudan. It is a reminder that every girl kept in school is a step forward for the nation.
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