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 indicates that girls are particularly vulnerable to dropping out of school due to insufficient access to sanitation facilities, underscoring the critical role of dignity kits and proper hygiene facilities in helping girls remain in school and complete their education.

Elizabeth remembers how hard it was before. “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 support has made a huge difference in her life. The project, however, did not stop at just providing dignity kits. It also renovated the classrooms, provided new benches for learners, and incentives for teachers. Before the renovations, the Deputy Head Teacher says, heavy rain and strong winds had damaged the school’s roof, leaving learners exposed to too much sunshine and rain, making it difficult for children to learn. “Incentives are a big motivation for our teachers. It gives them energy to keep teaching. Without this incentive programme, it would have been much harder to continue teaching for most of our teachers,” Deputy Head Teacher John highlights. He further adds, “We used 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 success at Melut Primary School are one of the great examples of how the EMPOWER project is making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children in South Sudan. By providing dignity kits, renovating classrooms, and supporting teachers, the 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,” she says with a smile. “It gives me the confidence to attend school every day and to keep dreaming big.” Elizabeth’s story shows how important it is to support education in challenging environments, such as South Sudan. With funding from Irish Aid, more children in Upper Nile can continue to enjoy a safe and supportive learning environment, helping them to achieve their dreams and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.