As South Sudan grapples with a crippling economic downturn – marked by soaring prices, a volatile exchange rate, and dwindling oil revenues – resilience becomes the currency of survival for many citizens.
For 16-year-old Kiir Kiir Bol, a physically disabled youth from Malualkon in Aweil East County, hope shines through the polish on the shoes he buffs daily in the Thonypiny area of Juba.
“I left my village because my parents are jobless, and I couldn’t meet basic needs like school fees, clothes, or food,” Bol shared in an interview with Standard Zone News. “Life is hard, but I had to do something.”
Despite the odds stacked against him, Bol earns between SSP 10,000 and 20,000 daily, depending on customer flow. His work may be humble, but his spirit is unwavering.
“Shoe shining suits me well because it’s something I can do. My message to others who are struggling is to believe in their work and make the most of what they earn. Many successful people started just like this.”
Bol dreams of returning to school one day, having dropped out in primary eight due to lack of school fees. Through savings from his small business, he plans to resume his education and build a better future.
“I was in primary eight when I dropped out, but I haven’t given up. Once I’ve saved enough, I’ll go back to school,” he said confidently.
With limited job opportunities in South Sudan due to ongoing conflict, poor infrastructure, and economic instability, Bol urges both disabled and able-bodied youth to embrace hard work rather than wait for perfect opportunities.
“To my fellow youth, especially those living with disabilities – this is not the end of your life. If your hands are working, use them. Take up any job that brings food to the table. Staying idle will not take you anywhere.”
Bol said he relocated to Juba because the larger population offers more customers. “In the state, I couldn’t make much due to fewer people. Here in the capital, even government officials want their shoes clean before heading to work.”
As South Sudan’s economy continues to falter, stories like Bol’s shine a light on the strength of the human spirit – and the small, determined steps some are taking to create a better tomorrow.
