“It’s a lifeline”: How Cash Transfers Changed This Girl’s Future in South Sudan

Martha, 17, a senior student in secondary school in Juba, says cash transfers have changed her life.

For the last seven years, Martha, now 17, has been receiving cash in exchange for regularly attending school. Implemented by Girls Education South Sudan and supported by WTI, this ‘cash transfer programme’ encourages girls to enrol and stay in school, helps them buy scholastic materials and reduces poverty at home. It also directly addresses the high dropout rate as girls transition from primary to secondary school.

Children all across South Sudan face numerous barriers to education, but for girls, these barriers are particularly acute. Early or forced marriage; poverty; political, social and food insecurity; and heavy household work chores are just a few of them. By directly paying girls to stay in school, this programme encourages families to see their daughters’ education as equally relevant to their sons’, thereby promoting gender equity and reducing financial constraints in the household and wider community.

It also means that girls develop a greater sense of autonomy in a culture where many decisions are made for them: by paying for their own materials and seeing their own education as important, they increase their confidence, and become role models for other girls in the community.

“My education journey with the Cash Transfers programme has been nothing short of transformative,” explains Martha, who now attends secondary school in Bentiu, the capital of Unity State.

“At first, I was unsure how it would impact my life. However, as the months and years went by, I realised that the financial support was not just a monetary gift; it was a lifeline that allowed me to focus on my studies without the constant worry of how my family would manage daily expenses.

“With the cash transfers, I was able to purchase school supplies, books, and even pay for my personal needs as a student. This support enabled me to attend classes regularly and participate in extracurricular activities that enriched my learning experience. I became more engaged in my studies and developed a passion for subjects like science and mathematics, which I had previously found challenging.

“As I progressed through my education, the cash transfers programme also provided my family with a sense of stability. My parents could allocate resources towards other essential needs, knowing that some of my educational expenses were covered through cash transfers. This not only improved their living conditions but also motivated them to support my ambitions.

“Now, as a senior four candidate at Bentiu Standard Secondary School, I reflect on my journey with gratitude. The cash transfers programme has not only contributed to my academic success but has also instilled in me a sense of responsibility and ambition. My dreams of pursuing higher education have inspired me to become a doctor, in order to give back to my community one day.”