It was a very busy week as the PESS team in Bor, Jonglei, South Sudan doubled up their work.
After a lot of persistence and maneuvering we were able to schedule John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology, JGMUST to do the theory portion of the HIV/AIDS Awareness Program.
University teachers have been on strike which has hampered our planning and the students are scattered. But thanks to Daniel’s determination we finally were able to make it work by holding night classes during the week for them.
(JGMUST has also sent seven women to join the sewing program. More on sewing mania in a moment.)
Once again, the pupils were completely engaged and eager to learn.
I thought since these students from the university are older than our primary pupils they would be significantly more aware and informed about HIV/AIDS, the reproductive system, etc. Not necessarily so. It was eye opening, for me at least, to see that just because the students are older didn’t mean they knew more about this deadly virus and the importance of understanding, I mean truly understanding, the reproductive system.
However, these students are critical thinkers and had a lot of high level questions about the science of HIV/AIDS.
But what really surprised me, although it makes sense, is that the older students are more steeped in tradition. For example, when discussing human rights I asked the class, “What is a Human Right?” And, “Do men and women have different rights.” One of the brightest students in the class, Morial Akoon Chok shot up his arm and shouted out the answer at the same time. “Yes!,” He proudly replied.
Really? How so? “Well, girls don’t have the right to inherit property or express their dissatisfaction about sex in their marriage.”
Oh. Alrighty then.
And it’s a man’s right to have multiple wives but a woman does not have the same right (and she shouldn’t have that right… inferred in the tone of discussion.)
It occurred to me we were talking about two different things: Cultural Tradition and Human Rights.
Well, you can imagine this opened up a lively discussion. It’s important to point out that, unlike the primary and secondary students, we had multiple cultures. Of course, Dinka but also students from eastern Equatoria and other parts of South Sudan.
Eventually, we did finally agree that there is a difference between Cultural Tradition and Human Rights. That every human being has the right to an education, to live safe from harm and not be oppressed (even if she is a woman).
Which was a nice segue into the topic of Stigma and Discrimination. Again, a lively discussion. And what do stigma and discrimination have to do with HIV/AIDS awareness? If people are worried about being stigmatized and discriminated against they are less likely to get tested to the virus and worse, less likely to talk about it… even when sharing their knowledge.
Meanwhile, at sewing mania…..
The Sewing Pad Production has been so wildly popular we added an additional day to the program: Friday evenings.
And while the women and girls were excited this past weekend again with the sewing machines the classroom was much quieter this time around. The hard part has begun: Threading the needle in order to actually sew. While most girls in the U.S. (with the exception of me – I was climbing trees and riding horses) take home economics in school, girls here have no such course. And for even the grown women this is the first time they are laying hands on a sewing machine. So, while the exercises are tedious they are important to achieve so the machines don’t break from inappropriate use. And since these machines are new they need some tweaking. Lots of oil …..and patience.
There are quite a few special moments in the midst of the sweaty determination.
Saturday morning a woman came to the classroom door. She had heard her daughter Elizabeth Awal Agot was going to be learning to sew. She just couldn’t believe what a great opportunity this was so she asked if she could come in and watch Elizabeth sew. Mom just beamed as she saw how well her daughter was doing. “I never had the chance to learn,” she told me as David Majur translated. “”This is the first time (for anyone) in our family to learn to sew!”
Changing lives doesn’t always require grand policy and billions of dollars. Sometimes what’s required is a commitment to a community. PESS made that commitment years ago and continues to come through.
Anna Angeth, attending Langbaar Modern Academy and a “She’s The First” sponsored girl said, “We have been looking at that (sewing machines) but we had no way to get it. And now we are very happy to know how to do it (sew).”
As Abuk Ayen Ayen (not a sponsored girl but a fine candidate) exclaimed, “If you know how to sew you can buy your own machine and sew your own clothes. Or you can open your own business which is very good. As a woman your future will become as bright as the sun!”
As if our week could stand another meeting or activity…. Daniel and I managed to get an appointment with the Bor County Commissioner, Abraham Mamer Ruk. It was basically a cold call. No appointment. Be charming and smile. Act like we know what we are doing. All the reporter ‘let’s just walk in and crash the party’ tactics.
Mr. Ruk took us in to his office, ahead of dozens of others waiting to see him. We introduced ourselves and after all the formalities Mr. Ruk said, “Yes, I know all about Majok.” Daniel’s Dinka name. “Because of him and others who went to America (Lost Boys of Sudan) South Sudan became independent. While we are struggling now, at least we are our own country. Majok helped Americans understand the challenges facing southerners and we were able to separate. I have a lot of respect for him.”
Wow!
And then he proceeded to say he is very much aware of Project Education South Sudan and the work the organization is doing. “I am behind the work you are doing to help our country and I will help you in any way I can.”
He even said he would get me a house here in Bor. I passed saying I’d rather stay with Daniel and lovely family when I come to visit ;-)
Mr. Ruk went on to say that education is the key to South Sudan’s future. Glad to know we have big friends in high places…. And most importantly, the Daniel and PESS is getting the respect and support they so deserve.
-Tamara
