You won't see any pictures of South Sudanese girls in our Photo Gallery.   We're not happy about it and here's why:       

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In South Sudan, unless a family is well-off, boys get first priority when it comes to education.  A staggering 76% of school aged girls in South Sudan do not go to school.  Keeping girls at home saves money.  And, since many of the girls have single mothers (dad often moves on to a new wife/family), mom needs help with housework and finding/preparing food while the brothers are tending to livestock or going to school.   

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In times of crisis, the value South Sudanese girls skyrockets.  They become targets of rape by rival tribes who like to terrorize and defile the girls, ruining her chance to marry and perpetuate her tribe.   Many girls are sold into early marriage in exchange for cattle, a potentially life-saving food and milk resource.  A wealthier husband can provide for the extended family as well.

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So, while it is very difficult to find a family who will let their daughter leave South Sudan under the current circumstances, we will never give up trying.  We know these girls are equally deserving of safety, kindness and education.