Monica’s Story

Volunteer teacher in Aber, South Sudan

A few miles north of Rumbek is an area called Aber. In the local Dinka language, Aber means “persistent”. Persistent is the way of teaching in Aber’s schools, the way of the students that never want to miss classes, and the way of Monica, a 34 year-old volunteer teacher in Aber primary school. When she was younger, Monica was only able to finish primary school herself. She married early and has two children, but is lucky to be supported by her husband. Now she tries her best to teach classes in the students of her small village, but wishes to save some money to allow her to finish her studies and become a professional teacher.

Monica is the only female teacher in her school. She is aware of the unbalanced situation in most of the schools in South Sudan.

“Many women were married very young and forced to stay at home. Having a girl in the family is an opportunity to make money - there is a traditional transaction of exchanging cows for brides.”

For being a volunteer teacher, Monica earns an incentive of five hundred South Sudanese pounds each month (less than US$4). “It’s a support, but not enough to cover the high prices in the market” she explains. Her husband is currently jobless, so she sees teaching as a good opportunity for a better future. “I just need an official certificate and to apply to become a civil servant in the Ministry.”