My name is Elizabeth Akuc and I have just completed a Master’s in Public Administration – International Development Programme from the University of York in the UK.

I am currently working with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) as a Programme Manager for the Food and Cash Assistance program, supporting crisis affected households in Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.

I’m a Loreto past pupil. I completed high school at Loreto Rumbek in 2014 and worked as an intern in 2015.

Growing up in Rumbek, Lakes State, South Sudan, I witnessed firsthand challenges that many young girls face in accessing education. Attending high school at Loreto was both an opportunity and a challenge. For me, the journey was more than just academics. It was about breaking barriers, persevering, and creating a future that exceeded societal expectations.

One of the biggest challenges I faced in pursuing my education, especially after completing high school, was financial constraints within my family. I planned to start university in 2016. However, the conflict that year led to a severe economic crisis that directly impacted my family’s ability to support my studies. Like many others, my family struggled to make ends meet, and paying school fees became an overwhelming burden. I remember moments of deep anxiety, and at some points, I felt depressed, wondering if I would be able to continue my studies. Despite these hardships, I remained determined and focused. Rather than letting financial challenges dictate my future, I sought out support from Loreto, who believed in my potential. Their encouragement reinforced my belief that education was worth fighting for.

Due to the financial struggles that impacted my education, Loreto recommended me to work with CRS as an intern. This opportunity not only provided me with a stable income to cover my tuition, but also enabled me to support my family financially, including covering school fees for my nieces and nephews during one of the most challenging periods in our lives. Loreto taught me the value of discipline, resilience, giving back to my community, and understanding that education was not just about personal success, but also about creating opportunities for others. The power of giving back to my family and community has inspired me to provide support to some of my family members and continue to work for the humanitarian sector, especially in hard-to-reach areas where education and opportunities for women and girls are less valued.

My seven years with CRS allowed me to gain valuable practical experience in humanitarian work, reinforcing my commitment to making a difference in society. Balancing work and studies was demanding, but it taught me the importance of time management, perseverance, and adaptability.

South Sudanese women are strong, resilient, and capable. I hope that they will continue breaking barriers, lifting each other, and be at the forefront of peace and development in South Sudan.

I wish for a future where every South Sudanese woman has the opportunity to thrive and be free from barriers that limit her potential. I wish for a country where education is not a privilege but a right, especially for young girls. I hope for economic empowerment in a country where women are financially independent, have access to resources, and can contribute meaningfully to their families and communities. I wish for a society that values and protects women, a society that eliminates gender-based violence, champions equality, and creates safe spaces for women and girls to grow, lead, and inspire the next generation. South Sudanese women are strong, resilient, and capable. I hope that they will continue breaking barriers, lifting each other, and be at the forefront of peace and development in South Sudan.

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 Elizabeth, please visit our online donation page.