Ayum Mary Diny
Level 1 – p2 Salam Girls School, Aweil South Sudan
19 years old

South Sudanese Student Ayum Mary Diny and Her Journey Back to School

Ayum Mary Diny has always loved school, but like so many children in South Sudan, decades of war disrupted her education. Now 19 years old, Ayum is in the second grade, determined to make up for lost time and pursue her dreams.

Her challenges began when her mother fell ill while Ayum was in the first grade. As the eldest sibling, Ayum left school to care for her mother and take responsibility for her younger brothers and sisters. Sadly, her mother passed away, leaving Ayum to shoulder the burden of running the household. With no father present, Ayum’s days were consumed with cooking, cleaning, washing, and other chores, leaving her physically and mentally drained.

One of Ayum’s biggest struggles was water. She spent nearly five hours a day walking to fetch water from a distant well. In desperation, she decided to dig a well near her home, hoping it would save time and allow her to focus on her studies. Unfortunately, the hand-dug well became a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of malaria, and the water was unsafe to drink. Still, Ayum had no choice but to use it.

During this time, Ayum often felt discouraged and hopeless, wondering if she would ever return to school. Her life changed when her uncle came home from the war and took over as the caretaker for the family. With his support, Ayum was finally able to go back to school.

Although she is no longer in the same class as her childhood friends, Ayum is overjoyed to be learning again. She spends her days writing poetry, studying biology, and enjoying time with her classmates. She dreams of becoming a doctor and discovering a cure for malaria, determined to turn her struggles into a brighter future.

Ayum’s resilience and optimism are an inspiration, proving that with the right support, even the most challenging circumstances can lead to hope and opportunity.