Angelina, South Sudan

Amidst the conflict, Angelina lost her home, her husband and her parents. She lost her sense of security and her family's livelihood. The conflict has left many scars where our partners work in South Sudan. Empty bullet shells and abandoned tanks can still be seen on the journey to Juba. South Sudan gained its independence in 2011, but conflict and insecurity can still arise.

Angelina survived a rebel attack where her legs were badly injured. In the aftermath, women from the church came. Many of them had also lost loved ones. They knew that shared grief is easier to bear. The women also presented Angelina with an unusual invitation: they offered her an opportunity to go to school.

Like most women in South Sudan, Angelina never had the chance to attend school. She never learned to read and write and she didn't think that she ever would. The church had recently started a literacy programme and was offering classes to women.

With the encouragement of her friends, Angelina decided to enroll. One year later, Angelina has a certificate in Literacy and Numeracy from our programme partners: the Mothers’ Union. After completing her literacy and numeracy training Angelina joined a Savings Group and she is planning a brighter future for her children.

“Now I can manage to read my Bible in [the] local dialect, count money, write my names, and read the sign posts. I can teach my children at home and I am very happy because of the certificate I got. It encourages my children to go to school.”

Today, both of Angelina's children are in school. Angelina walks with a crutch and with some difficulty but there is confidence in her step. In a community where few women are literate she says that the training she received has helped her become a leader in her church, and now she is encouraging other people that there is hope using her faith.

This story was written by staff in our Five Talents USA office. Learn more about how you can support our partners so more entrepreneurs, like Angelina, can build a brighter future.