A South Sudanese woman rising above adversity through strength and learning
Alic Ngor Juet, a 39-year-old mother from Gogrial West in Warrap State, South Sudan, has lived a life marked by hardship, but also by courage and determination. Despite the many challenges she has faced, she continues to push forward, driven by hope for a safer and better life for her child.
When Alic was ten years old, she contracted spinal tuberculosis, a disease that curved her spine and made walking painful. It also stunted her growth and made her a target for mockery from other children. Her father, her greatest supporter, tried to get her treatment, but he passed away that same year. Without him, life became even harder. Still, Alic persevered with her education until the bullying forced her to drop out.
As she grew older, Alic got married, hoping to build a peaceful family. Instead, she faced domestic violence and humiliation from her husband and her husband’s other wife because of her disability. After years of mistreatment, she made the difficult decision to leave the marriage, determined to protect herself and her two children.
Starting over was not easy. She had nowhere to live and had to seek help from local authorities, who gave her a small piece of land to rebuild her life. Then, tragedy struck again—one of her children drowned during a flood in the rainy season. The pain was unbearable, but Alic chose to stay strong for her surviving child.
In September 2025, Alic became one of 75 participants in the Enhancing Community Resilience and Local Governance Project II (ECRP II) training on Emergency Preparedness and Response, including Gender-Based Violence. For women like Alic, who have faced both natural disasters and gender-based violence, the training was life-changing.
Through the program, Alic learned practical ways to prepare for and respond to emergencies such as floods and fires, which have long threatened her community. She also gained a deeper understanding of how to protect herself and others from gender-based violence and how to seek support when needed. For her, this knowledge is more than information—it is empowerment. It gives her confidence that she can protect her child and contribute to making her community safer and more resilient.
Today, Alic dreams of having a proper house where she and her child can live without fear of floods or violence. She also hopes to share what she has learned with other women so they, too, can build safer lives.
Her message to young girls is heartfelt and wise: “Take your time when choosing a marriage partner. Avoid rushing into relationships that could bring pain and violence, as I experienced.”
Alic’s journey shows how empowerment, knowledge, and resilience can transform even the hardest circumstances. The support and training provided through the ECRP II have not only given her new skills but also renewed hope and purpose.
About ECRP II
Enhancing Community Resilience and Local Governance Project II (ECRP II) is a project of the Government of South Sudan, managed by the Ministry of Finance and Planning and the Local Government Board, and implemented by World Vision in Twic and Gogrial West Counties.
Story and photos by Stella Inyaa/World Vision – ECRP II