In South Sudan, women and young girls disproportionately bear the burdens of overwhelming poverty. With more than 83 percent of the country’s population living on less than $1 a day, women regularly must abandon their dreams of an education in order to help support their families. In response, missionaries at the Don Bosco Vocational Training Center in Juba have established a special scholarship that promises to make a tangible difference in their lives—and their futures.

Because South Sudan lacks industry, most citizens rely on subsistence farming. Parents, therefore, typically prioritize work over education as a matter of practical survival—which means that children of all ages work in the fields instead of going to school. Families who do want to send their children to school often face a heartbreaking reality: in order to afford tuition for one child, other children must sacrifice their futures. And almost always, daughters are the ones who lose out.

Soon, the demands of motherhood and housekeeping quickly subsume these young girls … and the cycle of poverty continues. But missionaries and staff at the Don Bosco Vocational Training Center are working hard to change that, one girl at a time.

Recently, thanks to generous Salesian Missions donors, the center has successfully established a scholarship program that will help level the playing field. The program will cover a substantial portion of the school’s tuition fees, which makes access to an education more viable for girls and young women.

“I was unable to continue my education due to financial problems,” says scholarship recipient Ayany Pamela. “After learning that the Don Bosco Center was giving women this opportunity, I was motivated because it became affordable for me. Without the knowledge and skills I obtained, I cannot imagine how I would have continued my education or found a good job.”

“Every woman should have the the opportunity to achieve her dreams,” concludes Fr. Gus. “Scholarship opportunities like these are just one small example of how our missionaries around the world are supporting this goal.”

Our mission gives girls and women brighter futures through education and opportunity. What’s your mission?

Learn more about our work in South Sudan.