For many young people affected by displacement in South Sudan, early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and other social challenges, returning to school after dropping out can seem impossible. However, through the Promoting Inclusive Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP) through Community Mobilization and Empowerment in Abyei Region, vulnerable learners who lost their opportunity to continue education are being supported to return to learning, rebuild their confidence, and pursue their dreams.
Among these learners is Awien Akook Majok, a 21-year-old returnee currently enrolled in Level 2 at Abyei Boys ALP Centre. Awien’s story reflects resilience, determination, and the transformative impact of inclusive education opportunities provided through the project.
A Dream Interrupted by Early Pregnancy and Displacement
Awien began her education journey at Injaz Primary School in Kuajok, Warrap State, where she was determined to continue her studies and achieve her ambitions. However, her education was interrupted when she became pregnant at the age of 17 while studying in Primary Six (P.6).
The responsibilities that came with early motherhood forced Awien to leave school. After giving birth, she moved to Sudan with other family members, where her priorities shifted from education to survival and providing for her child.
During this period, returning to school seemed like a distant dream. Awien started selling tea every day to earn an income and support her child. With the demands of daily life and limited opportunities available to her, she gradually lost hope that she would ever sit in a classroom again.
Reflecting on that difficult period, Awien shared:
“After I gave birth, I stopped thinking about going back to school because I had to focus on taking care of my child. I started selling tea every day to earn a living and support my family. I thought my education journey had ended.”
Her experience represents the reality faced by many young mothers and vulnerable learners who are excluded from education due to circumstances beyond their control.
Discovering the Opportunity to Return to School
Awien’s hope was restored in March 2026 when she attended a community meeting where information was shared about the Inclusive Accelerated Learning Programme. The meeting introduced community members to an education opportunity designed for children, adolescents, and young adults who had dropped out of school but wished to continue their studies.
For Awien, this information brought back a dream she thought she had lost.
“During the community meeting, I heard about the Inclusive Education Programme for people who had dropped out of school and wanted to return. I became very happy because I realized that I had another chance to continue my education.”
Motivated by this opportunity, Awien immediately decided to register for the programme and began attending classes at Abyei Boys ALP Centre. Returning to school marked a major turning point in her life, giving her renewed confidence and a sense of direction.
A Supportive Environment Helping Learners Recover Lost Opportunities
Since joining the ALP programme, Awien has found more than just a classroom. She has found a supportive community of learners and teachers who understand the challenges faced by those whose education was interrupted.
Awien explained that interacting with other learners who have experienced similar difficulties has encouraged her to remain focused and work harder.
“In the school, I have met many friends with experiences similar to mine. Sharing our stories and encouraging each other has motivated me to read harder and work for a better future.”
The programme has also provided Awien with psychosocial support, helping her rebuild her confidence and overcome the emotional challenges associated with dropping out of school.
“I have received psychosocial support from my class and teachers. This support has given me greater hope and encouraged me to continue learning.”
The availability of psychosocial support within the learning environment has been an important component of the project, ensuring that learners are supported not only academically but also emotionally as they transition back into education.
The Transformative Impact of the ALP Programme
The Accelerated Learning Programme has had a significant impact on Awien’s life by providing a flexible and inclusive pathway for learners who were previously excluded from education. Through the project, learners like Awien are given the opportunity to recover lost years of education and continue working towards their goals.
The programme has contributed to:
- Restoring access to education for vulnerable learners who dropped out due to pregnancy, displacement, poverty, or other challenges.
- Building learner confidence through supportive teaching approaches and psychosocial assistance.
- Strengthening community acceptance of education through mobilization activities involving parents, leaders, and community members.
- Creating inclusive learning spaces where learners from host communities, returnee populations, IDPs, refugees, and learners with disabilities can learn together.
For Awien, the project has changed her perception of her future. What was once an impossible dream has become a realistic goal.
“This programme has changed my life because it has allowed me to continue my education. I now believe that I can achieve my dreams despite the challenges I faced.”
A Future Dream of Becoming a Teacher
Education has given Awien a new purpose. Her ambition is not only to complete her studies but also to use her education to support others who face similar challenges.
“My plan is to complete all the levels and continue my education until I become a teacher. I want to share my knowledge and skills with other people who may have stories like mine.”
Her dream of becoming a teacher reflects the wider impact of the ALP programme—not only restoring education opportunities but also empowering learners to become future contributors to their communities.
Appreciation and Call for Continued Support
Awien expressed her gratitude to UNICEF and partners for establishing the ALP programme in her community and providing opportunities for learners who had lost hope of returning to education.
“I am extremely happy and grateful to UNICEF for establishing the ALP school in this community. Thank you for giving me this second chance of education and restoring my hope for a brighter future.”
She also encouraged continued support for the programme, highlighting that many other young mothers and vulnerable learners still need similar opportunities.
“I request UNICEF to continue supporting this programme for more than five years because there are many single mothers like me who need this chance to return to school.”
Awien further requested additional learning materials to strengthen learners’ academic progress:
“I also request support with more scholastic materials, especially reading books for different levels, so that we can improve our written and spoken English.”
Conclusion: A Story of Hope, Resilience, and Opportunity
Awien’s journey demonstrates the profound impact of inclusive education programming in restoring opportunities for vulnerable learners. Through the support provided by the Promoting Inclusive Accelerated Learning Programme through Community Mobilization and Empowerment in Abyei Region, a young mother who once believed her education journey had ended has regained confidence, knowledge, and hope for the future.
Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, learners affected by conflict, displacement, poverty, and social barriers can overcome challenges and continue pursuing their dreams.
Through continued investment in ALP, community engagement, teacher support, learning materials, and learner protection mechanisms, more young people like Awien can be empowered to return to school, complete their education, and contribute positively to their communities.
Photo of Awien as on 3oth June.
