A Brighter Future: John, 12 years old.

There are children that are wise beyond their years… and then there’s John. He smiles only when experiencing genuine joy or finds something truly funny. Only speaks when he has something meaningful to say. 

John has been living all alone in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement since August.

John has been living all alone in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement since August. When fighting broke out in his village, his family tried to make a hurried escape. Amidst the chaos, he lost his parents and three siblings. 

“I was jumping over dead bodies. There were burning cars, shooting. I ran for my life. I don’t know who was responsible or why they were doing it,” recounts John. “Children were cut and bleeding. Some had their limbs cut off. I lost count of the number of slaughtered…. They come to me in my dreams sometimes.” 

John jumped on-board a bus bound for Uganda. He has no idea if his family survived. 

It’s only when I come back to my tent each night… when I’m alone, that I feel sad and wonder where they are.” 

He tries to keep busing by focusing on school and football. “It’s only when I come back to my tent each night… when I’m alone, that I feel sad and wonder where they are.” 

When asked about his hopes for the future, John replies with conviction that he will be South Sudan’s president and outlines his policies for peace and unity, gender equality, and increased school attendance. 

“People must see each other as their brother or sister. If they have disagreements, they must be discussed and worked out. I would also ensure every child gets a meal at school. Without food, they cannot learn. And parents must also send their daughters to school. Sons get priority in South Sudan and that is not right. Girls deserve the same rights as boys.” 

Also among John’s priorities is better road infrastructure for rural areas to improve economic development. 

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