Harvesting hope: A father’s journey towards self-reliance in South Sudan

In Kuac South village in Warrap State, South Sudan, providing for a family of 13 once felt impossible for 45-year-old Joseph Ayok Ayok. But one Sunday in March 2024, during a church service, he heard about the Empowered Worldview program — a moment that would begin to change his life.

In the village of Kuac South in Warrap State, South Sudan, 45-year-old Joseph Ayok Ayok, a father of 13, reflects on how far he has come and the weight of providing for a large household. There was a time, he recalls, when making ends meet felt impossible.

“Before the training, I couldn’t stand on my own,” Joseph says. “I depended only on my salary, and even that wasn’t enough. As a church council member, I used to feel uncomfortable talking about self-reliance when I was still struggling myself.”

Everything changed in March 2024 when World Vision and church leaders announced the Empowered Worldview program during a church service.

“I decided to join because I wanted to learn something that could truly change my life,” he recalls.

The training encouraged participants to take initiative and believe that, through hard work and resilience, they can improve their lives. Joseph took the lessons seriously. Once the sessions were over, Joseph saw his land in a new way. He farmed with intention. He worked with more focus, and before long, he began to see real change.

“I harvested well,” he says. “From the income I received from my harvest, I bought seven cows. I trained two of them as oxen to help me plough my fields. I also paid my children’s school fees. My eldest will sit for Senior Four next year.”

In 2025, Joseph harvested 12 sacks of groundnuts, with more still in the field alongside his sorghum crop. He has also begun mentoring his two older sons, teaching them how to plant after school.

“They are learning fast,” he says proudly. “It is good to see them taking responsibility.”

The journey has not been without challenges. “The only problem I faced this year was having too few ox-ploughs,” he explains. “I hope World Vision can help connect us to vendors so we can buy ox-ploughs ourselves instead of waiting to receive them for free. That way, more families can take charge of their farming.”

Today, Joseph speaks confidently in church about self-reliance.

“I can now stand before others and talk about independence because I have experienced it myself,” he says. “This training helped me stand on my own. Others deserve the same opportunity.”

About Empowered Worldview

Empowered Worldview (EWV) is World Vision’s biblically grounded approach to empowering individuals, faith actors, and communities to drive lasting change. Its goal is to mobilize people’s God-given gifts, talents, and resources — spiritual, social, physical, and economic — to improve sustainable child well-being.

EWV addresses dependency mindsets by promoting dignity, personal responsibility, and initiative. Through a curriculum rooted in biblical principles, participants reflect on identity, hope, and vision for the future, building confidence to take action.

In South Sudan, EWV has helped families work together, start businesses, and create brighter futures for their children.

Story and photos by Stella Inyaa/World Vision