An inspirational female role model who fled South Sudan as a child has been recognised for amazing work in her home country funded by UK Aid. Akuja was 8 years old when her family fled civil war in South Sudan and settled in Bristol.
Akuja spent her childhood in Bristol before studying at SOAS, but in 2004 decided to return to her war-torn home country to make a difference to the lives of those who had not been as fortunate as herself.
Supported by UK Aid from the Department for International Development, Akuja now runs GESS, the Girls’ Education South Sudan initiative, which is helping to keep over 180,000 girls in school in South Sudan. She has become a strong female role model, persuading local communities and the authorities about the value of educating girls, in order to change their long-term futures and get into work.
In recognition of her work, Akuja will receive an MBE from a Member of the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace on Friday. Akuja is the first recorded South Sudanese person to ever receive an MBE.
South Sudan is a troubled, battle-scarred country, currently suffering from a terrible famine. UK Aid is making sure that millions of people get urgently needed food, water and medicine, as well as longer term support.
