My name is Debora Adut Maker, and I am a Loreto graduate. I joined Loreto Rumbek in 2012 and completed my secondary education in April 2016. Currently, I work as a Safeguarding Officer at the Disable Agency for Rehabilitation and Development (DARD) and teach at Rumbek University of Science and Technology as a teaching assistant in the Department of Statistics and Demography. I am married.

My journey with Loreto Rumbek started way back in 2012 when I was admitted to Senior 1. At some points, I went through a difficult time and thought I wouldn’t make it. I am a survivor of forced marriage.

The first one occurred when I was in Senior 1. My relatives wanted me to be married off, since they did not see value in educating girls. On multiple occasions, they tried to convince my dad to marry me off, but he turned them down. However, they went ahead and arranged marriage without my knowledge. When I went home for the holiday, I found everything was done.

I struggled for days with the stress of being married to someone that I didn’t want and the fact that I had to be taken out of school. With my father’s help, I returned to school while all the students were on Christmas break. Loreto and my dad gave me the support I needed the most at that time. They stood with me until that case was closed.

The second encounter happened in 2014. The same arrangement of marriage was done. At this point, my father was overpowered by my uncles. He nearly gave in, but later decided to support me. I overcame all the struggles because Sr. Orla was always there for me and supported me through my toughest times. My school fees were paid by well-wishers. I am grateful to everyone who stood with me during that traumatic moment.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world with commitment and determination and not be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.”

My wish for South Sudanese women is: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world with commitment and determination and not be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.”

This work would simply not be possible without financial support. We are very grateful to all those who believe in our mission and support our work, particularly in relation to educating and empowering girls and women. If you would like to help us assist more women like Debora, please visit our online donation page.