A market stall restores hope and dignity for women in Aweil East
In the small village of Pannhial, Aweil East County, 35-year-old mother of seven, Nyadak Akol, is rewriting her story — one vegetable at a time.
Every morning, Nyadak walks to a newly constructed market stall built by World Vision under the BMZ project, funded by the German Government. Here, she sells vegetables such as kudra, kale mrenda, okra, pumpkin leaves, eggplants, and tomatoes together with 50 other women from her community.
The market has become a lifeline for them, helping mothers rebuild their livelihoods after years of hardship caused by floods, intercommunal conflict, and poverty.
“This market stall has really changed my life,” Nyadak says with a smile. “I now earn between 100,000 and 150,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) a day (approximately US$15-30), depending on how busy the market is. I save 20,000 SSP ($3) every week, buy food for my children, and pay their school fees.”
Before this market was established in May 2025 in Madhol Payam, Nyadak and other women sold their vegetables under trees — exposed to the scorching sun and heavy rains. The environment was unsafe and unhygienic, and customers were few.
“Back then, I could only make 10,000 or 15,000 SSP (US$1.5-3) a day,” she recalls. “Sometimes I walked three hours to reach another market. It was very hard.”
Now, the new market provides a clean, secure space with proper storage facilities, attracting buyers from nearby villages. The women no longer carry their goods back home each evening, and their income has increased significantly. The project has not only boosted their earnings but also restored their sense of dignity and community.
With her savings, Nyadak has bought three goats — now multiplied — giving her a safety net for her children’s education and household needs.
“When I need money for school fees, I sell one goat,” she explains proudly. “I no longer worry about my children’s future.”
Nyadak’s journey reflects a broader transformation taking place across her community. Through the BMZ project, women who once struggled to survive are now standing on their own feet — feeding their families, sending children to school, and inspiring others to dream again.
“We are very happy for this market stall,” Nyadak says. “I pray that God blesses the people who helped us so they can build another one for more women.”
For Nyadak, what once seemed impossible — a life of stability and opportunity — is now her everyday reality. The market stall is more than a building; it’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of opportunity to transform lives.
About the BMZ-funded project
The BMZ–Nexus Project, funded by the German Government through the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by World Vision in partnership with Action for Children Development Foundation (ACDF), aims to assist families and communities in Aweil East and Aweil North counties of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.
This project supports those affected by floods, conflict, and displacement, including South Sudanese returnees from Sudan, in their efforts to recover and rebuild their lives. To promote lasting resilience, the project provides access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
It also supports climate-smart agriculture, offers technical and vocational training, and implements community-based conflict mitigation initiatives that strengthen peace and self-reliance throughout the counties.
Story and photos by Moses Sakondo/World Vision South Sudan