When Acol Achiek Ajak first arrived at the Leadership Academy of South Sudan, her world was small.
Growing up in Bweyale, Kiryandongo, as part of the Dinka tribe and the fourth child in her family, she was used to staying within what felt familiar. She didn’t spend much time with people from other tribes, and naturally kept to herself.
But that didn’t last long.
Through discipleship at the academy, especially through her care group, Acol began to change in ways she didn’t expect. What started as small moments of connection turned into real friendships. Slowly, the walls she once felt between herself and others came down.
“I came out of my shell, and now I have been transformed from being limited to my own tribe to understanding that we are all one.” Acol shares.
At the same time, something deeper was taking root. Before coming to the academy, Acol’s faith was there—but it wasn’t quite personal yet. She went to church, but didn’t have a steady rhythm of prayer or time in Scripture. With her new routine at LASS of weekly Bible studies, discipleship classes, and consistent prayer, that began to shift.
She now reads the Bible regularly, prays with intention, and is learning what it looks like to trust God—not just when life is easy, but in the middle of challenges. Prayer has become more than a routine; it’s how she connects with God and cares for others around her. One of the most meaningful parts of Acol’s journey has been the community around her. Walking alongside other students who are growing in their faith has given her a sense of belonging she didn’t have before. They encourage each other, challenge each other, and remind one another what they’re becoming.
“Discipleship also taught me the importance of fellowship. Walking with other believers has strengthened my spirit and given me a sense of belonging in the family of Christ. Together, we encourage one another and share testimonies. I am not the same person I was before joining the Leadership Academy of South Sudan.”
Acol isn’t the same person who first stepped onto campus. She’s more open. More confident. More grounded in her faith. Her story is a glimpse of what happens over time when young leaders are invested in—not just academically, but spiritually and relationally. It’s steady, meaningful transformation… the kind that lasts and multiplies.