In Bentiu, young schoolboys have resorted to selling roasted maize as a means of paying for their education amid the economic hardships facing their families.
Many parents, struggling to make ends meet, are unable to afford the rising costs of school fees, uniforms, and other necessities for their children.
Among these enterprising students is 15-year-old Goah Nar Duer, who lives in Sector 5, Block 2, within the Bentiu Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp.
Like many of his peers, Goah has taken up the responsibility of funding his education by selling roasted maize.
“I am selling roasted maize to get money to pay my school fees. My parents are here with me, but because of the economic hardship, they can only provide food at home.
I am responsible for paying my school fees until the economic situation improves,” Goah explained.
These schoolboys can be seen in the camp and nearby streets, diligently tending to their maize stalls. Their determination to pursue an education, despite the financial difficulties, is a testament to their resilience.
Goah and his friends use their small earnings to cover essential school expenses, hoping that their efforts will eventually lead to a brighter future.
The economic crisis in South Sudan has left many families struggling to meet basic needs, including education.
The situation has forced some students to take on additional responsibilities, such as small-scale businesses, to continue their schooling.
While the government and humanitarian organizations are working to provide relief, the journey toward financial stability remains challenging for many families in the Bentiu region.
As these boys continue to sell roasted maize, they embody the spirit of perseverance, demonstrating the lengths to which they are willing to go to secure an education, despite the odds stacked against them
