From Struggle to Strength

By  Alan Leju  

Meet Wani Emmanuel, a Food Security & Livelihood Officer at the World Vision South Sudan field office in Tambura County Western Equatoria State, who symbolises resilience and transformation.

Born and raised in Kagapo 1 Payam, Sera Jale Boma of Kajo-Keji County, Central Equatoria State—a region long damaged by conflict and displacement—Wani’s early life was marked by hardship. Food was limited, education was like an unrealistic dream, and survival was a daily struggle. Despite the adversity, his mother’s words, “When the storm is strong, it is the roots that hold the tree firm,” echoed with strength.

Despite the challenges, Wani pursued education with unwavering determination, inspired by his late father’s belief that “Education is the key to unlock the doors of opportunity.” Hunger, illness, and long walks to school were part of his journey, but so was hope.

On October 8th, Wani’s life took a transformative turn when he joined World Vision South Sudan under the Joining Forces for Food Security and Child Protection in Emergency Phase II (JF-FS-CPiE) project. Posted in Tambura County, he felt a flow of joy and fulfilment; his perseverance had finally opened the doors to his dreams.

Upon arrival, Wani received extensive training in programmatic tools, risk analysis, and community-based mechanisms. He quickly became a driving force in addressing severe malnutrition, child labour, early pregnancies, and harmful coping strategies affecting vulnerable families.

Through strategic interventions like cash support and kitchen gardening, Wani and his team empowered communities to grow their own food, improving nutrition and reducing dependency. Families learnt to cultivate vegetables, transforming their diets and livelihoods.

One of the most inspiring stories is that of Mama Lilian Paul, a grandmother struggling to feed her grandchildren. With training, seeds, and tools provided by the project, she turned barren land into a thriving garden. Her first harvest fed her family for three months and allowed her to send her youngest grandchild, six-year-old Paska Lino, back to school.

Community leaders also witnessed the change. Chief Michael Ngboro, a trained member of the community-based Child Protection Committee, noted, “We used to see many children wandering, exposed to danger. Now, the community knows its responsibility. The Joining Forces team didn’t just give us food; they gave us back our children’s safety.”

Raphael Sinyaua, Chairperson of the Kodotii group, shared how backyard gardens not only provided food but also fostered unity and mutual support among neighbours. These gardens became symbols of resilience and hope.

Despite ongoing security challenges in Tambura and Source Yubu Payams, Wani’s commitment to kitchen gardening in the IDPs camps remains steadfast. His efforts have reduced the risks carers face when searching for food in unsafe areas and have significantly improved child nutrition and safety.

Reflecting on his journey, Wani says, “What was once a dream—helping vulnerable households grow their own food—is now a reality. This model can be scaled nationwide to combat malnutrition in conflict-affected areas.”

Through collaboration, compassion, and community empowerment, Wani Emmanuel and the Joining Forces team have nurtured hope, health, and unity in Tambura County. Their work continues to transform lives, one garden at a time.