Every year, the U.S. government’s TIP (Trafficking in Persons) office releases the annual TIP Report, highlighting the state of modern slavery around the world. Each country receives an assessment based on its efforts to end human trafficking within its borders. They are put into three tiers: Tier 1 countries are working diligently to eliminate trafficking; Tier 2 countries are below where they should be but are trying to improve their efforts; and Tier 3 countries fail to meet minimum standards to curtail trafficking efforts and are doing little or nothing to improve.
South Sudan is considered a Tier 3 country. Still recovering from a civil war that ended in 2020 and with another war raging next door in the nation of Sudan, thousands of South Sudanese people are left vulnerable to exploitation. Children are subjected to forced labor, sex work, and even war efforts. This includes the use of child soldiers.
Our partners in South Sudan are working to prevent the enslavement of these vulnerable children. New Life Ministry (NLM) provides education, food, and stability in a safe environment, giving the next generation hope for the future.
Achai, grade 4, was brought to NLM by her aunt to be enrolled in New Life’s school and safe house program. Achai’s home life was unstable, and she often went without food or proper clothes. Because of this environment, her aunt feared the girl was at an increased vulnerability to traffickers. Once she got settled at the ministry, Achai shared, “My appreciation goes to the NLM founder and those who are supporting us. We are here because of you. The care you have shown us is God’s work.” Looking to the future, she wants to become a journalist and hopes to serve as an example to her younger sisters.
Ajong, grade 2, has loving parents at home, but her father had not been paid for months and was struggling to feed his six children. She began attending NLM’s day school, where she receives a free education and two meals a day before returning home to her family in the evening. She is passionate about learning. “I love English and math so much because the teachers I met in the school are well-trained and [made] me passionate about their subjects,” Ajong says. “My ambition is to become a pilot. My appreciation goes out to NLM founder Mr. James Lual Atak for the foundation he is laying for the future generations of this country.”
Your support is transforming the lives of children in South Sudan. Because of your gifts, our partners met the nutritional needs of 604 children last school year. With each meal provided, you are fighting against human trafficking and providing opportunities for these children to live free and fulfilling lives. The students at NLM are learning more than math and science; they are learning that they are loved by their Creator!
