Orphans’ Struggles Put in Spotlight at Juba Book Event

(JUBA) – Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel of Central Equatoria State has launched a book that sheds light on the hardships faced by street children and orphans in South Sudan, calling for collective responsibility to protect vulnerable young people and secure the country’s future.

The launch took place on Saturday in Juba and featured the unveiling of Growing Up Without My Parent, authored by Dominic Living Wawa, a former street child. The book recounts the daily struggles of children without parental care and offers a personal account of survival on the streets.

In his keynote speech, Governor Mujung described the book as a reflection of painful realities that South Sudan cannot afford to ignore. He emphasised that supporting children without families is essential for building peace and stability.

“Our children are our tomorrow. If we fail to protect them today, we deny ourselves the future of the nation.”

The Governor linked child protection to national unity, stressing that failure to address the plight of vulnerable groups would undermine the country’s recovery efforts.

Juba County Commissioner, Emmanuel Tete Ezbon, praised the author for raising the voices of marginalised children and pledged his support for the Kikiji National Orphanage in Juba County. The orphanage shelters children who have lost parents due to conflict, disease, or poverty.

Yei River County Commissioner, Emmanuel Taban Seme, said that identifying and supporting orphans requires peace and stability across the country. He also criticised parental neglect, which he said has contributed to the rising numbers of children forced to survive on the streets.

The author, Dominic Living Wawa, symbolically wore torn clothes at the event to represent his childhood years on the streets between 2005 and 2007. He recounted surviving on his own until being taken in by Pastor Henry Sebit, an experience that inspired him to write the book.

He explained that the publication seeks to rally the government, faith leaders and civil society to address the plight of orphans. Wawa also intends to present the book directly to the President of South Sudan.

Hon. Mariam Aguli, State Advisor on Gender, Child and Social Welfare and chairperson of the organising committee, said the launch underlined the importance of community responsibility in supporting families at risk. She highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between government, churches and social groups in addressing child welfare.

The event featured a panel discussion with representatives from government, civil society, churches, the business community and orphaned children. Discussions focused on long term solutions, including the strengthening of child protection laws, expanding orphanage support and reducing the drivers of child poverty.

Wawa is currently the founder of the Kikiji National Orphanage in Yei River County, which provides shelter and education for 118 children. He is also a theology graduate, continuing to use his experience to advocate for hope and resilience among vulnerable children.

Former Street Child Wawa Launches Memoir in Juba