By Moses Sakondo, Communications Coordinator
April 17, 2024 Juba, South Sudan – In the middle of intercommunial conflict, a single mother, Grace Mbuniwia, found herself struggling to provide for her three children, including her 10-year-old daughter, Zereda, who was born with a physical disability. After her husband abandoned her due to her daughter’s condition, Grace had to work tirelessly to cultivate and harvest food to sell and provide for her family. However, when conflict erupted in Tambura County, in Western Equatoria State, forcing thousands to flee to different IDP camps, Grace’s life turned upside down.
“When I was pregnant, my husband took good care of me. He provided everything I needed, but when Zereda was born and we discovered she had a disability, my husband rejected her. He said that he would never take care of a disabled child and that I should forget about him.”
Grace recalls how her husband abounds with her.
Grace is an orphan. Her parents died during the conflict. As a 30-year-old mother of three, Grace was forced to flee her home without food, utentiels or shelter.
“I escaped with my children, and I was not able to pick up any food items because I was carrying Zereda on my shoulder and her younger sister, who was still breastfeeding, on my back,”
Grace states. The trauma was overwhelming, and they struggled to survive. But then, Joining forces for Child Protection, a consortium project implemented by World Vision in partnership with Save the Children came to their rescue.
Joining Forces identified Zereda at the IDP camp and gave her mattress, bedsheets, soap, and clothes. Zereda was also given a wheelchair, which now enables her to go to church and access the Renzi Child-Friendly Space, where she plays and interact with other children. Zereda has learned new games and has begun to heal from the trauma she experienced.
“We had no bedsheets to cover ourselves from the cold. Worms could enter the body of my daughter. I will never forget this awful experience in my life,”
Grace recalls the her struggles. Grace however, said that the including farming tools, and money was such a
As the project comes to an end, Grace appeals to donors, World Vision South Sudan, and Save the Children to extend their support for at least two or three more years. She believes that this would give other vulnerable children in Tambura the same opportunities that her daughter has had.
Zereda dreams of going to school, and with continued support, that dream can become a reality. Zereda Anna loves Shcool. She is a vegetarian who loves eating pumpkin leaves prepared with g-nut paste, which is locally called in Zande Language Kpakasiro. ###
About Tambura County.
Tambura, shares borders with Nagero County to the northeast, Ezo County to the south and east, Raja and Wau Counties in Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State to the north, and the Central African Republic (CAR) to the west. It is predominantly inhabitated by the Azande and Balanda communities. The conflicts between these two communities have been fueled by political tensions and competition for leadership roles.
This publication was produced with the financial support of the German Humanitarian Assistance
Its contents are the sole responsibility of Joining Forces and do not necessarily reflect the views of the German Humanitarian Assistance.