Young Entrepreneur Founds School to fight Illiteracy in South Sudan

By Simon Deng

At just 35 years old, entrepreneur Jok Abraham Thon Jok has taken a bold step toward nation-building by establishing Promised Land primary and Secondary School, an institution dedicated to fighting youth illiteracy and fostering social, economic, and developmental growth in South Sudan.

Founded with the vision of bringing young South Sudanese together under one roof, the school seeks to empower students with the knowledge and skills needed to actively contribute to the rebuilding and future prosperity of the country.

Reflecting on the roots of conflict in South Sudan, Jok links violence to a lack of education and critical thinking.

“When you look at the war of 2013, you can see that it was largely fueled by illiteracy,” he told The Dawn in an exclusive interview. “Many young people did not understand that they were fighting their own brothers. They lacked the analytical skills to assess situations or question the decisions made by their leaders.”

He noted that after the civil war, many families were forced to bring their children back from Uganda because they could no longer afford school fees. As a result, large numbers of young people were left idle, particularly on the streets of Shirikat and Juba.

“Our entire mission is captured in the slogan ‘changing minds from bullets to books,’” Jok explained. “It is about shifting mindsets—not only among the youth but also among leaders—to invest energy and national resources in education rather than conflict.”

Jok said the inspiration behind Promised Land Secondary School dates back to the founding of South Sudan and draws from the biblical story of the Israelites and the promised land given to Abraham.

“The Promised Land will bring all South Sudanese together under one umbrella to study, understand their cultures, and learn about their differences,” he said. “It helps us appreciate the beauty of our diversity.”

Jok’s own educational journey reflects the challenges faced by many South Sudanese. He began his primary education under a tree in a Sudan People’s Liberation Area in Maglateria before completing high school in neighboring Uganda in 2009, during the lead-up to South Sudan’s independence referendum.

“During that period, new groups emerged, gang violence and drug abuse increased, and crime rates were very high,” he recalled. “Many young people were also recruited as child soldiers.”

Today, Promised Land offers nursery, primary, and secondary education, with alumni enrolling in reputable universities across the world. The institution is also registered as Promised Land College, specializing in computer science, entrepreneurship, and agriculture.

Jok is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, in the United States. He holds a master’s degree in entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership from the same institution, as well as a bachelor’s degree from the University of Juba’s School of Economic and Social Studies.

Michael Dut Arok, a history teacher at Promised Land Secondary School since 2019 and a former student, said the institution has had a transformative impact on both individuals and the wider community.

“I am one of the beneficiaries of this institution. I was a student here seven years ago, and today I am teaching the younger generation,” Arok said. “This school helped me interact confidently with society and inspired me to give back.”

He added that more than 2,000 students have completed their studies at Promised Land since its establishment, with many now making positive contributions in their communities.

Lual John Goch, the Principal of Promised Land Secondary School, said the institution has played a vital role in community development since its founding in 2016.

“This school was the first private school in Gumbo Shirikat and, for a long time, the only one in the area,” Goch said. “As we approach our 10th anniversary next year, its contribution to education and development in Gumbo is evident.”

Goch revealed that the school plans to sponsor two students from the Pibor Administrative Area next year and noted that many primary and secondary school teachers in Shirikat and Mangala are alumni of Promised Land.

He also disclosed that since 2020, the school’s director has sponsored 78 primary school students, most of whom have now completed secondary education.

“As teachers, we see development in our livelihoods as well,” Goch said. “Our salaries allow us to support our families. We also run a peace wing, leading efforts to give back to the community and change mindsets toward education.”