Gatluak was separated from his parents during the war in South Sudan, a conflict that tore apart countless families and left children especially vulnerable. Alone and without protection, he was forced into military life alongside other young boys. Instead of growing up in safety, going to school, or being cared for by family, Gatluak was drawn into the violence of war before he had the chance to choose his own future.
NILECAPD encountered Gatluak during this period of deep vulnerability and intervened to save him from the military. This action reflects one of the organization’s most important commitments in South Sudan: protecting children from recruitment, exploitation, abuse, and separation. In conflict settings, children often lose not only their homes but also the protection of family and community structures. NILECAPD works to respond to these realities through child protection, family tracing and reunification, psychosocial support, and education pathways for vulnerable boys and girls.
After being removed from military life, Gatluak was sent to school in Uganda, where he was finally given the opportunity to learn, grow, and imagine a different future. With consistent support and determination, he completed his studies and earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering. His journey from child soldier to educated professional is a powerful example of what becomes possible when vulnerable children are given protection, stability, and encouragement.
Today, Gatluak has chosen to give back by working as a protection officer for children. His lived experience has become a source of strength in helping others. He understands firsthand the fears, pressures, and dangers that conflict-affected children face, and he uses that understanding to advocate for their safety and well-being.
Gatluak’s story reflects the heart of NILECAPD’s mission: restoring dignity and building resilience through community-based care. For children who have been separated from their families, forced into armed conflict, or denied access to education, NILECAPD offers not only rescue, but also a path toward healing and long-term transformation. His life is proof that intervention at the right moment can completely change a child’s future.
