Stars Rising
South Sudan’s aspiring leader
NANCY PURU By Badru Mulumba Five years ago, Nancy Puru was walking Juba’s streets, scavenging for food, when Cathy Groenendijk adopted her. Now, at 11, Nancy proves that it is never late to move to the forefront of a competitive world. She is often first in class, leads others in cleaning up the slums (they have bathed an aged woman who can no longer do it herself), and plays competitive volleyball. Her primary school team, has even beaten a secondary school in the game. What do you love about what you do? I am very happy when I do something good like community service. I also like volleyball as it keeps me physically fit. How do you feel about your achievements? I am happy about being number one in my class and winning our volleyball matches. What challenges have you faced? Not going to school before mummy came for me. I no longer walk around the neighbourhood looking for food. How do you juggle your passions? I try very hard to balance. For example, I do my homework first after school and community work only on a set day. I have to work really hard to do all these things. How do you prepare for a competition? I have to practice and work hard. When we are going as a team, I make sure that my team knows what we are going to do. I ensure we all practice before we start the competition.
Which role model do you look up to? I like the way Kadee Worth sings and I hope to sing like her one day. She has a very nice voice and sings songs with meaning. I also admire my mummy, some of the female ministers. Ambassador Susan Page really inspires and encouraged me when we met. What does it take to succeed in your field? You have to believe in everything you do. You also have to work hard, go to school and help others around you. What are some of your memorable moments? When the South African Ambassador visited us with other people and friends. Together, we celebrated Mandela’s birthday. They encouraged us to work hard in our studies so we could study abroad.
Who is your mentor? My mother. When something happens to me, I go to her and she helps me out when she can or gives me advice.
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FIGHTING CORRUPTION BY BUILDING INTEGRIT Y IN THE CHILDREN OF AFRIC A
When I grow up I want to be: A leader who helps disadvantaged people. Lessons I have learnt in life: To respect others, to say sorry, cross the road properly and so much more. Advice for Bingwa readers: Work hard in school, because education is the key to life. Favorite Subject: Science Favorite Color: Black and white. My views on child rights: I have the rights such as the right to go to school, to play and to eat enough. My views on corruption: I don’t like this issue of corruption. People should stop putting one tribe in a particular office; that is what is preventing our country’s development.