Leaving home to a life on the edge

Nyang Akok was only 15 years old when he left his family in Aweil North and found himself entangled in the web of gang life in Juba. Under the influence of other boys, he first went to Aweil Town and lived with other boys where they were involved in gang activities. After a period in Aweil Town, he traveled to Juba, the melting pot of South Sudan.

The sprawling urban chaos offered little to a boy who had left behind his family in the far and remote countryside. Alone and vulnerable, Nyang sought refuge in the only place that seemed to offer protection: a local Juba gang. The gang life provided him with a sense of belonging and security, but it also led him down a dangerous path into a life of crime.

The Turning Point

The National South Sudan Police Service began cracking down on gang activity and youth groups believed to be behind violent crimes and in late 2023 conducted a series of raids and arrested over 300 children and youth.  Nyang was among those detained and sent to a makeshift detention center, where he spent six months in deprived conditions. For him, it felt like the end of the road as the prospects for coming out of the detention center and meeting his family were fading away as no one in his family was aware of his whereabouts.

A New Hope

As the detained youth were counseled, the police began to approve some of their releases. But many still were not able to contact their families or have anywhere to go.

TOCH, leveraging its presence in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, and networks and resources, began the meticulous process of tracing Nyang's family. Through persistent effort and collaboration with local authorities of the State Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare discovered that Nyang's family lives in Aweil North. Nyang was supported to travel from Juba to Aweil and was received by a team of social worker and case workers and transported to his home village of Nyinken to the joy of his family and the entire community.

The reunification was not just about locating his family; it involved careful planning to ensure Nyang's smooth transition back into his community. The TOCH provided counseling to both Nyang and his family to prepare them for the emotional and psychological challenges that lay ahead. He was provided with psychosocial support materials, educational supplies and basic necessities such as clothes.

Homecoming

The day Nyang was reunited with his family was filled with mixed emotions. Tears flowed freely, mingling with laughter and embraces. Nyang's mother, who had feared the worst, couldn't believe her eyes. His siblings welcomed him back with open arms, and for the first time in the years, Nyang felt a profound sense of peace and belonging.

A Brighter Future

Reunification was just the first step. TOCH, continued to support Nyang, ensuring he had access to education. Nyang has enrolled in Primary School and eagerly picked up his studies. His natural curiosity and quick wit, once used for survival on the streets, have now found expression in his academic pursuits.

Nyang also became a beacon of hope for other youth in his community. He has shared his story widely, advocating against involvement in gangs and anti-social behavior and encourages his peers to seek education and positive community engagement. His transformation is inspiring many, proving that with the right support and opportunities, change is possible. 

Nyang's journey from a gang member in the streets of Juba to a thriving student and community advocate in Aweil North is a testament to the power of support, family, and hope. His story underscores the importance of organizations such as TOCH, UNICEF and their partners in changing the lives of particularly vulnerable youth. Nyang's future is now bright, filled with possibilities he once thought were beyond his reach.