Over 300 runners hit the streets of Juba for the Watoto Church marathon! Every mile run helps raise funds for the Neighbourhood Mother Program, empowering vulnerable women with skills, hope, and self-reliance - Michael Daniel/Eye Radio

JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) – Juba’s Mobile Roundabout was transformed on Saturday morning, October 11th. More than 300 runners—men, women, and youth—filled the streets with energy and colour for a 5K and 10K marathon. Organized by Watoto Church Juba, the event’s purpose was far greater than medals: it was a dedicated run to raise hope and support for vulnerable women.

The event was dedicated to supporting the church’s Neighbourhood Mother Program, a faith-driven initiative that works to restore dignity, hope, and self-reliance among vulnerable women in South Sudan’s capital.

“Today, we are running for a vulnerable mother in our community,” said Narani Glory, the marathon chairperson and a long-time member of Watoto Church. “Through this event, we are not only keeping our bodies healthy but also giving women a chance to rebuild their lives.”

The Neighbourhood Mother Program, started in 2021, identifies struggling mothers and widows many of them displaced by conflict or poverty and walks with them through a year-long journey of transformation.

During the first six months, participants receive emotional, spiritual, and literacy support, including classes in reading, writing, and discipleship.

In the second phase, they are trained in income-generating skills such as tailoring, hairdressing, soap-making, baking, and catering.

“We don’t just give handouts,” Narani explained. “We build women’s capacity, teach them self-worth, and walk beside them until they can stand on their own. Its faith turned into action.” 

The women are also mentored in financial management and entrepreneurship, learning how to budget, save, and start small businesses. By the end of the program, many are able to support their families, pay school fees, and even rent or build homes.

For Lyon Samia, a mother of three living in Juba’s Tarawa neighbourhood, the program became a turning point.

“Before Watoto, I was struggling to feed my children. When I joined the program, I learned soap and cake making and how to braid hair. Today, I have a small business that helps me provide for my children’s needs and pay their school fees.”

Another participant, Araba Zainab Taban, said the skills she gained gave her confidence and stability.

“I used to depend entirely on others, but now I can make and sell soap and handbags. I’m able to pay rent and cover school expenses. The program truly changed my life.”

For Nyoka Susan Jacoba, a widow and mother of five, the change has been nothing short of miraculous.
Originally from Yei, Nyoka fled to Juba after her husband was killed in 2016.

Life became unbearable—her only means of survival, selling charcoal using a motorcycle, ended when the bike was stolen.

“I was evicted because I couldn’t pay rent,” she recalled. “I lost all hope. Then Watoto found me. They taught me sewing and soap-making. Now I make school uniforms and sell soap. I even teach other women. I can now educate my children again.”

Similarly, Al-Bujairi James, a single mother of one, said the training gave her a renewed sense of direction.

“I learned English and liquid soap making. I now sell my products and earn income. I’m proud to say I no longer depend on anyone for survival.”

Watoto Church’s model is a growing example of how faith-based organizations are filling gaps in South Sudan’s fragile social support system.

In a country where unemployment, conflict, and displacement continue to affect women disproportionately, such community-driven initiatives provide both economic empowerment and emotional healing.

The church also runs counselling sessions and discipleship groups where women share their experiences and receive encouragement. The goal, according to the church, is not only to rebuild livelihoods but to restore hope and self-esteem.

“When women rise, families rise. And when families rise, communities change,” said Narani. “We want every woman to believe she has something valuable to contribute.”

Saturday’s marathon wasn’t just a fundraiser;

It was a statement of solidarity. The event drew support from local businesses, youth groups, and faith communities, with proceeds going directly to expand the Neighbourhood Mother Program.

Participants described the event as energising and deeply meaningful.

“It feels good to run for a cause that changes lives,” said one young runner. “Every step today means a mother somewhere will have a better tomorrow.”

Watoto Church hopes to expand its women’s empowerment programs to other towns in South Sudan, including Yei, Torit, and Wau, where communities are still recovering from years of conflict.

The vision is to build self-sustaining women’s groups that can continue mentoring others long after the program ends.

The church’s senior pastor says their mission is simple: to bring hope to the hopeless and healing to broken families, one woman at a time.

As the final runners crossed the finish line, the air was filled with celebration, laughter, and prayer.
The message was clear and powerful: when faith meets action, transformation follows.