From temporary teacher to lifelong calling: A woman’s impact in Malakal

In a place where schools often lack resources and female teachers are few, teachers do more than teach—they open doors. With the right support, they help children see what’s possible for their future.  Anyiel Simon Lat’s story is a good reminder of how investing in teachers can transform lives, classrooms, and entire communities.

What began as a temporary job has become a life-changing calling for Anyiel Simon Lat.

At Dar-es-Salaam Primary School in Malakal County, Anyiel has spent the past nine months in the classroom—initially seeing teaching as a stopgap while she waited for the chance to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. But standing before her pupils each day, and with the support of targeted trainings, her perspective has shifted in ways she never expected.

After attending a series of capacity-building sessions organized by World Vision, War Child, the Humanitarian and Development Consortium, and other education partners, Anyiel began to see teaching not just as a job, but as a powerful way to shape young lives. The sessions—particularly the most recent training on teaching methods and classroom management—left a lasting impression.

Through these experiences, she discovered a deep sense of purpose in education and is now motivated to continue teaching while furthering her studies in the field.

The training changed my attitude toward teaching. I used to see it as a temporary option, but now I see it as a calling.

In a community where female teachers remain few, Anyiel is also driven by a desire to lead by example. She hopes her journey will inspire more girls and women to step into the profession and become agents of change in their own communities.

This year, Dar-es-Salaam Primary School has received significant support through the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO)-funded Education in Emergencies (EiE) and Child Protection Project. Volunteer teachers are now receiving incentives, teaching and learning kits have been distributed, and children from vulnerable families have been identified and registered for conditional cash assistance. Together, these interventions have strengthened both teaching and learning conditions—boosting teacher morale and reducing absenteeism among learners.

Before World Vision’s intervention, the school had never received this level of support. Today, both staff and the wider community express deep gratitude and hope the partnership will continue beyond 2027, when the project is set to conclude.

“We are now more confident and better equipped to help our learners succeed,” Anyiel says proudly.

For Emmanuel Awori, Project Manager for the ECHO-funded Education in Emergencies and Child Protection Project, stories like Anyiel’s reflect the true impact of investing in teachers.

“Our goal is not just to provide materials,” he explains, “but to strengthen the skills and motivation of teachers—especially female teachers—so they can inspire the next generation of learners in the Greater Upper Nile Zone.”

Story and photo by Emmanuel Awori,  Project Manager/World Vision