Rejoice was one of the first girls to enrol at Ibba Girls' Boarding School, and became the first Head Girl. Thanks to the all-round education and support she received from IGBS, Rejoice says that she felt very well prepared and confident for her final secondary school exam. In addition, her community and school mentors never stopped encouraging her. When the results of these national exams were announced, her hard work paid off as she ranked second among the top twenty students in the country. (Seven of those top spots were claimed by IGBS graduates!)
Beyond IGBS
After leaving school, Rejoice began temporary work in the pharmacy of a local clinic, where she assisted doctors and gained hands-on experience in first aid. During these four months, her passion for medicine grew as she saw both the challenges and rewards of working in healthcare.
After this experience, Rejoice left her village and moved to Juba, hoping to pursue a medical degree. However, due to limited opportunities, pursuing medicine proved difficult. Fortunately, her strong academic performance earned her a scholarship, facilitated by our Windle Trust International (WTI) partners, which provided financial support from sponsors and enabled her to enrol for an agriculture science degree at the Catholic University in Wau.
Now in her first year of her agricultural degree, Rejoice says she is feeling content and grateful. Although she mentions the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, including the language shift from English to Arabic in the University, she has embraced her new community and built new relationships. To support herself, she sells crochet items, using the income to cover her personal needs and expenses.
Staying Connected
Rejoice maintains a strong connection with IGBS through regular conversations with the Head Teacher, Rita Akelo. She updates her old school about her journey and uses these conversations as a chance to encourage others. Despite hardships, she emphasises the importance of staying resilient and keeping a clear vision for the future.
Her impact also extends to her village, where she is seen as a mentor and role model. Families often reach out, asking her to advise young girls on the importance of education and staying focused on their studies. Reflecting on her own path, Rejoice stated, “I know, if I would have not been to IGBS, my life would have been much more limited.” This thought, repeated often to herself, highlights how important education has been in shaping her journey and keeping her future open to her dream of pursuing higher education.
Rejoice is also active in her village’s church, a role few women take on, and she is looked up to by younger girls who aspire to follow her path. Sharing a message of resilience and gratitude, particularly to the individuals who have supported her education, Rejoice highlighted:
“I feel very happy, and I feel so grateful that people are taking their time to make sure that girls in South Sudan like myself can go to school.”
Looking Forward
Rejoice’s journey is far from over, as she dreams of completing her university education and continuing to uplift her community. With the foundation built at IGBS, her own tenacity, and the support of those around her, Rejoice is well on her way to achieving her goals and inspiring future generations. Her story is a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and the unwavering support of a community that believes in her potential.
