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Why It Matters: A Day in the Life of Nyamal and Gatluak

In a secluded village in the Great Upper Nile in South Sudan, where peace hangs by a thread and resources are as scarce as rain in the desert, Nyamal (16) and her younger brother Gatluak (13) rise daily to face challenges that seem insurmountable for their tender ages. Their lives are steeped in responsibility and sacrifice, molded by circumstances requiring them to act with unwavering courage.

6:30 AM – The Journey Begins
Before dawn's first light splashes the horizon, Nyamal tenderly nudges Gatluak awake, her voice a soothing whisper against the cool morning air. Time is their most precious commodity, and there’s no room for delay. The siblings seize two empty jerry cans and embark on their grueling daily odyssey—a trek that stretches over an hour and a half to the nearest water source. The path ahead is treacherous; it twists through dusty soil, crosses muddy patches, and winds among grazing livestock and the occasional slithering snake. As they navigate this challenging terrain, they pass silent ghosts of a shattered past—homes abandoned and memories displaced from the ravages of conflict.

8:00 AM – Water, Finally
At long last, they arrive at the water point, where the air is thick with tension and anticipation. Relief floods over them, mingling with the dread of what lies ahead. The line stretches far, and the water, a murky shade of brown, brings to mind the hardships they endure. They fill their jerry cans with hesitant hands, pausing briefly to catch their breath and steal a moment of respite before the taxing journey back. Each full jerry can weighs more than 40 pounds, and Gatluak struggles under the weight, stopping often to rest. Nyamal, filled with sisterly determination, encourages him, sometimes lightening his load by carrying a portion of his burden as they press onward.

11:30 AM – Back Home, but Not to Rest
Upon their return, the aroma of smoke greets them as their mother tends to a small cooking fire. However, the absence of water places a significant barrier to nourishment; without it, there is no food to prepare. They hand their precious jerry cans to her, and together they sift through lentils, the morning's toil giving way to a quick meal, often their sole sustenance for the day.

12:00 PM – Off to School
With bellies only partially filled, they set off toward the school, one long hour of walking ahead in the opposite direction. No bright yellow bus awaits them—only the weariness in their legs and the relentless drive within their spirits. Each carries nothing but a shared slate board and a piece of chalk; textbooks are a luxury they cannot afford. As they arrive at school, lessons are already in full swing, but they slip quietly into the classroom, their hearts heavy yet hopeful, knowing that education is the beacon guiding them toward a better future.

6:30 PM – Home Again, and Still More Work
After the long journey home, rest is a distant dream. There’s still much to be done—fetching firewood, sweeping the courtyard, caring for younger siblings, and washing the dishes as twilight envelops the sky with its soft, dark embrace. Only then do they allow themselves a brief moment of respite. If a candle flickers to life, they may try to review their notes; otherwise, exhaustion claims them early, for tomorrow promises to repeat the cycle of relentless labor and hope.

Your Donation Changes Everything
When you donate to Bricks for Peace, you’re not merely contributing materials; you’re gifting Nyamal and Gatluak a true childhood:
• A clean water filter at home means they can escape a grueling 7-hour daily trek.
• A nearby shelter school ensures they won’t have to choose between education and survival.
• Each brick you fund aids in rebuilding their community, with resilience, safety, and hope at its core.

Every $25 brings 10 bricks and 1 water filter closer to home.
Every $300 erects a complete shelter with access to clean water. #teamwater

Together, we can lighten their burdens and help forge the future they rightfully deserve.

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