With an illiteracy rate exceeding 70%, South Sudan, located in East Africa, faces social and educational challenges. Even in the largest cities, basic infrastructure is extremely poor, lacking electricity, running water, and paved roads. Since gaining independence in 2011, becoming the youngest country in the world, South Sudan has also earned the title of one of the poorest, with a per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of just $455.1, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In South Sudan, access to books and education is a privilege limited to a few, leaving most young people without opportunities. The situation has worsened since April 2023, when the war in Sudan caused over half a million people to seek refuge in the neighboring country. Many of these refugees find themselves aimlessly wandering, spending weeks or even months in transit centers or around the outskirts, struggling to survive while awaiting humanitarian aid.
Amid this chaos, South Sudanese John Mustapha is determined to make a difference. Orphaned by his father and raised by his mother, John spent over 21 years fleeing wars, migrating on foot between villages, and facing extreme resource scarcity. Despite the adversities, his mother never gave up on his education. John persevered, graduating from higher education in Uganda and Kenya, and completing an online MBA at Hayek Global College, an institution recognized for preparing professionals for the global market.
John’s experience in the Hayek Global MBA not only enhanced his professional skills but also deepened his understanding of the transformative power of education in contexts of extreme vulnerability. Inspired by this experience, he developed the desire to create similar opportunities for other young people in his community.
With this purpose, he founded the NGO Organization for Liberty and Entrepreneurship (OLENT), which offers courses and seminars in areas such as economics and business, helping to transform lives through knowledge.
Now, John Mustapha has a new goal: to build the first community library in Yambio, providing books and educational resources for the region's youth. The project has global support to raise funds for the construction of the library, the acquisition of books and educational materials, and the creation of educational programs. Initiatives will include workshops, reading sessions, and mentoring programs, with the mission of engaging and inspiring local youth.
“In Yambio, there are no libraries for students and the community to learn and conduct research. Most students or young people depend on the few books available at their universities. Those with smartphones or internet access can download or read books online but face challenges such as high costs and low connectivity. As a result, young people living in Western Equatoria face poverty, largely attributed to illiteracy, lack of skills to manage profitable enterprises, substance dependence, and idleness,” explains John.
Book Club in Yambio led by John Mustapha.
He believes the library will be a business center where young people can learn, innovate entrepreneurial ideas, conduct academic research, and find a space to socialize, learn, and generate income. “My greatest dream is to make learning materials accessible to everyone, providing a global experience and unlocking the potential of youth,” John concludes.
The project for the construction of the community library is receiving donations at the link: https://www.vakinha.com.br/4762500