Achut Tabisa Mabior’s reflection on Greenbelt Academy

Having grown up in Uganda, Achut found some language and culture barriers when she first moved to South Sundan and joined Greenbelt academy. However, Achut quickly found support within Greenbelt’s welcoming community. She highlighted the provision of female dormitories on campus as being a significant factor in promoting their continuation in education. She said this meant the girls could focus on their education instead of going home, where there are often a lot of chores which limit the time for studying. The ability to board at Greenbelt has meant “girls get a lot more time to read and improve their studies.” This, alongside “more encouragement from teachers to continue with education” has meant the girls at the school are able to compete with the boys, despite South Sudan having large gender disparities. 

Achut shared that, “Education is an integral and important part of the peacebuilding process in South Sudan” through its promotion of literacy, development and freedom of worship. She also highlighted the significance of “gender equality which can increase the productivity which will lead to economic development in the country.” This portrays the cruciality of Education Bridge’s mission, in promoting long-lasting peace in South Sudan, through education, tolerance and increased gender equality.  

Following her graduation in 2019, Achut is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Law at Juba University. Achut reflects fondly on her time at the school, and offers the following advice to current students at the academy and young people aspiring to make a difference in their communities:

“Promote unity among the people of South Sudan to promote a democratic government that is undivided.

They should be able to embrace positive change in all sects of the government, that is to embrace the positive cultural changes that promote economic development in the country.

They should be able to protect and promote dignity, and integrity and present a positive image of South Sudan to the outside world through all that they do.”