The Power of Dignity: How Dignity Kit is Changing the Lives of School Girls in South Sudan

"I used to carry a chair from home to school every day, just to have a place to sit," Elizabeth, recalls. "It was even harder when I was on my period. I would often miss classes for days. But with my dignity kit, I can now attend school every day, even during my period.” 

Imagine  being 16 and having to miss school for three days every month, or having to sit and write on the floor because there is no chair, desk, or bench at your school. This was Elizabeth’s reality until the Enabling Meaningful Participation of Women and Girls for Essential Rights (EMPOWER) project, funded by Irish Aid, brought big changes to Melut Girls Primary School in 2023. This project is being carried out across 12 schools, 4 child-friendly, 2 women and girls' safe space, and 6 income-generating activity groups in Upper Nile. Its primary aim is to protect and empower vulnerable women and girls who have been internally displaced due to floods and conflicts

In Melut County, Upper Nile State, many girls face difficulties that prevent them from going to school regularly. According to UNICEF, about 47% of children in South Sudan, including Upper Nile, are out of school, and many of those who are in school have to deal with poor conditions. Many schools do not have enough chairs, desks, or even proper roofs. This makes learning very hard for students. 

UNICEF's 2020 report on education in South Sudan also emphasizes that girls are particularly vulnerable to dropping out of school due to insufficient access to sanitation facilities. The report underscores the critical role of dignity kits and proper hygiene facilities in helping girls remain in school and complete their education.

Elizabeth, who is 16 years old, used to miss classes a lot. This was not because she did not want to learn, but because Elizabeth’s family could not afford to buy her sanitary pads and other scholastic materials. Without these, she would stay at home during her menstrual period, missing days of school each month; her friends had the same problem. They would often stay home for the same reason.

Everything started to change when the EMPOWER project, funded by Irish Aid, came to Elizabeth’s school in 2023. The project, run by World Vision in partnership with two national organizations, ADRNET and CAPaD, began providing dignity kits to girls at Melut Girls Primary School. These kits are like special care packages that help girls manage their periods more comfortably and with dignity. Each kit contains important items like bath soap, multiple pairs of underwear, detergent powder, sanitary napkins, flashlights, toothpaste, nail Cutter a toothbrush, a comb and laundry bar soap.

Elizabeth remembers how hard it was before the project started. “I used to carry chairs from home to school every day just so I could have a place to sit, she says. “It was even harder during my period because I would miss classes for days.” But with her new dignity kit, Elizabeth can now go to school every day, even when she is on her period. This small change made a huge difference in her life.

But, the EMPOWER project did not stop at just providing dignity kits. It also helped renovate the classrooms at Melut Girls Primary School. Before the renovations, heavy rain and strong winds had damaged the school’s roof, leaving students exposed to the weather. This made it very difficult for them to learn. The project stepped in to fix the classrooms and provide new benches for the students.

The improvements have made a big difference. The Deputy Head Teacher Mr. John Mabek Ayuel of Melut Girls Primary School explains, “We used to have to deal with a roof that was blown away by the wind, and rain would often interrupt our classes. With the new roof and furniture, our learners can now focus on their studies without being disturbed by rain or sunshine.

The project also supports teachers by providing incentives. These incentives are like rewards that make teachers feel appreciated for their hard work. The Deputy Head Teacher shares, “The incentive is a huge boost for our teachers. It makes us proud and motivated to keep doing our best. Without this, it would have been much harder to continue teaching.”

The improvements at Melut Girls Primary have been wonderful, but there is still more work to be done. One of the biggest needs now is a school feeding program. When there was a feeding program in place, school attendance was much higher. But now, many students are missing school because they do not get enough to eat. Around 50 students are absent daily due to hunger.

Deputy Headmaster, John says, “I want to thank everyone who has supported World Vision’s education programs. Your help has changed our school for the better. But we still need support for a feeding program. Many children under the age of nine miss school because they are hungry. I request Irish Aid and other donors to continue their support so we can provide meals, help our students focus on their studies, and build a better future for South Sudan children.” 

The changes at Melut Primary School are excellent examples of how targeted support can make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children. By providing dignity kits, renovating classrooms, and supporting teachers, the EMPOWER project has helped many girls like Elizabeth attend school regularly and pursue their dreams. Elizabeth’s dream of becoming a pilot is now within reach. 

“The dignity kit means everything to me. It gives me the confidence to attend school every day and to keep dreaming big,” Elizabeth says with a smile.

The work done at Melut Girls Primary School shows how important it is to support education in challenging environments, such as South Sudan. With continued help and generosity, more students will be able to enjoy a safe and supportive learning environment, helping them to achieve their dreams and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.