Empowering Girls and Communities in South Sudan

At World Vision, we believe that every child, no matter their background, deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, particularly in the town of Renk, Upper Nile State, South Sudan, we are committed to providing vulnerable communities with the support they need to build a better future — especially for girls.

Our work in Renk focuses on two critical areas: education and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Through these initiatives, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also helping to break the cycle of poverty and gender inequality, creating opportunities for children to build a brighter tomorrow.

The Power of Education: A Future for Girls

In South Sudan, access to education remains a challenge, particularly for displaced populations and refugees. At Determination Primary School, which serves both local children and those from refugee and returnee communities, we are working to ensure that every child — especially girls — has the chance to go to school and thrive.

Fahima, a local mother from the community, is an inspiring example of the power of education. She shared her story with us: "Many of our people never had the opportunity to go to school to our levels. I feel happy as a mother who loves to see her daughter at school. I always give them courage to continue supporting girls in school because today, women are not to be left behind. We are supposed to move equally, side by side with men in this future. When you educate a girl, you educate a nation. So, I always encourage them and use myself as an example."

Fahima's words resonate deeply with our mission at World Vision. We understand that when you educate a girl, you are not just transforming her life — you are transforming entire communities. Girls are powerful agents of change and empowering them through education is one of the most effective ways to build stronger, healthier societies.

Addressing Sanitation and Hygiene Challenges

Education alone is not enough. In South Sudan, schools face significant challenges related to sanitation and access to basic hygiene resources. Many schools lack proper latrines, clean drinking water, and hygiene education, which can lead to health risks and hinder attendance, particularly for girls.

At Determination Primary School, we have implemented a range of WASH initiatives to address these critical challenges and improve the health and safety of students. These efforts include:

• Construction of latrines to ensure that students have access to safe and clean toilet facilities.

• Distribution of hygiene kits containing essential items like soap, toothbrushes, and sanitary products.

• Installation of handwashing stations and the distribution of water storage buckets to ensure that students have access to clean water for drinking and handwashing.

We recognize that hygiene education is essential in preventing the spread of diseases like cholera and diarrhea, which are prevalent in regions with poor sanitation. To promote good hygiene practices, we have established school health clubs made up of students and teachers. These clubs work together to promote practices such as regular handwashing, proper waste management, and the importance of personal hygiene. Through activities like educational dramas and interactive lessons, the clubs engage the entire school community in learning and adopting healthier habits.

Supporting Girls with Menstrual Hygiene Management

For many girls, one of the most significant barriers to continuing their education is the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products and facilities. In response to this, we provide menstrual hygiene kits to ensure that girls can manage their menstruation safely and with dignity. These kits include sanitary pads, soap, and other essentials, empowering girls to stay in school and not miss classes during their menstrual periods.

Fahima's dedication to supporting girls' education is inspiring. She understands firsthand the challenges that girls face, and her advocacy for menstrual hygiene is a crucial part of her mission to ensure that every girl has the chance to succeed. As she says, “When you educate a girl, you educate a nation.” This statement encapsulates our belief that investing in girls’ education is one of the most powerful ways to uplift entire communities.

Looking Ahead: A Path to a Brighter Future

While the road ahead in Renk and South Sudan remains challenging, we are hopeful about the progress we are making together with the communities we serve. Through our WASH initiatives, World Vision is improving health, hygiene, and sanitation in schools, ensuring that children — especially girls — can continue their education in a safe and supportive environment. By providing menstrual hygiene products, clean water, and proper sanitation, we are removing barriers to education that disproportionately affect girls.

We are proud to stand alongside communities like Fahima's, who are dedicated to creating a better future for their children. As Fahima wisely said, “Women are not to be left behind. We are supposed to move equally with men in this future.” We at World Vision are committed to ensuring that girls in South Sudan, and around the world, have the opportunity to achieve their dreams and lead their communities toward a brighter, more equitable future.

Every girl who stays in school, every girl who has access to basic health and hygiene, is a step toward a stronger, more resilient community. By providing girls with the resources they need to succeed, we are not just improving individual lives -- we are laying the foundation for a brighter, more equitable future. When you educate a girl, you educate a nation.