A Journey of Hope, South Sudan
Priscilla Adong
My name is Priscilla Adong, and I come from South Sudan, proudly representing the Dinka tribe. I am one of the many young women whose life has been transformed by the power of education—and by the people who believed in my dreams even when the world around me said they were impossible.
My high school journey began at Loreto Girls Secondary School, a place that became more than just a school—it became a sanctuary of hope. I joined as one of 84 bright-eyed girls in Senior One, each of us filled with ambition and dreams for the future. But as time went on, our numbers began to fall. By the time we reached graduation, only 45 of us remained.
I watched with a heavy heart as many of my classmates were pulled out of school—some forced into early marriages, others pressured to embrace traditional domestic roles. These weren't just statistics—they were my friends, girls with laughter in their eyes and untapped brilliance in their hearts. The reality was painful, and all too familiar in our culture, where girls are often seen through the lens of tradition rather than potential.
But I held on. I believed that education was my path to freedom. That if I could persevere, maybe I could change something—not just for myself, but for other girls like me.
Against all odds, I completed my high school education. It was one of the proudest moments of my life, not just for me, but for my entire family. After graduation, I was offered an internship at Loreto Girls Secondary School—the very place that had shaped me. There, I had the opportunity to mentor younger girls and give back to the community that raised me. It opened my eyes even more to the deep-rooted challenges girls face and sparked in me a passion to fight for change.
Today, I stand on the threshold of a new chapter, preparing to begin my university education through the support of the African Adolescent Girl Fund (AGF). This opportunity is more than just financial support—it is a declaration that my dreams are valid. It has reignited my hope and strengthened my resolve to go further. I dream of pursuing a master’s degree, and even a PhD. But more than titles, I want to be a voice—a role model—for the girls in my community who are still silenced by tradition and circumstance.
Through my journey, I want to remind them that they matter, that they can rise, and that education is not a luxury—it is a right.
I carry with me the strength of the Dinka people—resilient, proud, and unyielding in the face of adversity. And as I walk this new path, I do so not just for myself, but for every girl who dares to dream beyond the boundaries placed around her.
Thank you, AGF, for giving me the wings to fly. I will not let you down.