Nyaluak was a young girl in South Sudan when her future was taken out of her hands. In line with traditional practices, her parents arranged for her to be married to an elderly man in exchange for cows as dowry. For Nyaluak, this meant the loss of her education, her independence, and her right to decide the course of her own life. Faced with a future she did not choose, she made the courageous decision to flee.
At a time when she was vulnerable and uncertain where to turn, NILECAPD stepped in to support her. The organization awarded Nyaluak a scholarship and enabled her to continue her education in Kenya, where she eventually graduated with honors. This intervention reflects NILECAPD’s broader work in South Sudan to protect girls from harmful practices, promote access to education, and ensure that children and youth have the chance to thrive with dignity and opportunity. The organization recognizes that education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking cycles of poverty, forced dependency, and gender-based inequality.
NILECAPD’s child protection and girls’ empowerment programs work with individuals, families, and communities to address the root causes of vulnerability. This includes responding to forced marriage, supporting girls who are displaced or at risk, and helping families understand the value of education and protection. Through these efforts, NILECAPD not only responds to urgent cases, but also works to shift harmful norms and create safer futures for girls and boys alike.
After completing her studies, Nyaluak returned to South Sudan and joined NILECAPD as a child protection officer. Today, she is using her voice and experience to fight against forced marriage and to advocate for girls’ rights. Her story has come full circle: once a girl in need of protection, she is now a protector of others.
Nyaluak’s journey is a powerful example of how NILECAPD helps people in crisis move from survival to leadership. For girls facing forced marriage, interrupted education, or social pressure that limits their freedom, NILECAPD offers hope, advocacy, and the chance to build a different future.
