"We learn lessons under the trees, yet our hopes for the future is alive. We need more schools and a safe environment to learn because we are the future." - Abraham, 12, on South Sudan's 10th Independence Day

World Vision’s Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) Project in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) supports 193,131 internally-displaced people during the lean season living in the most remote corners of South Sudan’s three counties in 19 different locations. The various delivery modes such as air drops, river deliveries as well as inland by trucks mean that the team has to adopt to various, and very volatile, operating environments.

"What we can do collectively is to celebrate children, the foundation of every nation. They are among the most vulnerable although no fault of their own, often caused by the negligence of older people and lack of access to services." - Dr. Mesfin Loha, Country Director, World Vision South Sudan

I was only 13 when my parents forced me to get married”, says 15-year old Adut*, now a mother of one. She dropped out of school after marrying 42-year old Manut against her will in exchange for 15 cows that she said she did not even benefit from. A UNICEF Report states that 52 per cent of all girls are married before 18 years of age in South Sudan, depriving them of their basic rights and for some, even their lives.

World Vision, supported by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through the Sustained Response to Emergencies (SURE-II) Project, constructed nine water tap stands in the hospital. “Our work as health workers taking care of the patients became easier.”

“The situation left us helpless. We could not do much since our farmlands were destroyed by floods. We thank World Vision for the food aid because it enabled us to survive hunger.” With support from the World Food Programme (WFP), World Vision’s Food Assistance Project distributed maize, vegetable oil, beans, salt, CSB++ and plumpy nuts to over 64,000 internally displaced people in Tonj North. 

Mothers in South Sudan are up against incredible challenge from the COVID-19 pandemic to hunger, with over 7.7 million people projected to face food insecurity in 2021. But the spirit of hope never dim for Achol and many mothers. Their selfless determination to raise their children well are stories of courage and resilience.

22 March is World Water Day: "A majority of the children suffering from malnutrition can be attributed to lack of clean water supply. It is a very critical need", says Komakech Ronald Mandela, World Vision's Nutrition Coordinator in Juba, South Sudan.

“The South Sudanese women and children are the most affected in the onset of conflict, hunger and the pandemic. Women shoulder the burden of taking care of their children." 

"I didn’t have a place to stay, but the village chief provided us a space where we can build a house. He introduced me to World Vision’s women and girls friendly space. After weeks of psychosocial support and counselling, I felt normal again", says Charity, 38. This women and girls friendly spaces (WAGFS) is supported by the World Food Programme (WFP).

A Game Changer for Women in Agriculture: Akech, a mother of seven from Warrap State, has proven that South Sudanese women if given the opportunity, can be a great leader. She did not just change her life, but her whole community as well, leading by example. This food security and nutrition project implemented through South Sudan Grassroots Initiative for Development (SSGID) is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development Cooperation.

"Responding to a pandemic as unprecedented as COVID-19 demands, above all, the "Jesus approach" of unconditional love and care for the needy, looking after our neighbours, and deliberate contributions to the global good" - Dr. Mesfin Loha, Country Director, World Vision South Sudan

World Vision's #HiddenHero in South Sudan delivers humanitarian assistance even on difficult challenges like risks of COVID-19. Every effort is filled with commitment, courage, and compassion for fellow South Sudanese in urgent need. We celebrate their quiet heroism. The world needs more.

#RealLifeHeroes: Instead of losing hope and giving up during this COVID-19 pandemic, these South Sudanese mothers are producing face masks to earn income, feed their children, and protect their communities. Every mother is a #hiddenhero doing her best for her family - with eyes focused on a brighter future.