South Sudanese Writer ‘Beat Odds’ To Launch Book

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Garang Malong, son to Mr. Paul Malong Awan, the Governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State and Secretary to the Cabinet of South Sudan is a South Sudanese whose untold story unfolds in South Sudan and continues in Kenya where he has been pursuing his education since primary level until now at the Nairobi University.

“The Theatre of Hope” mainly dwells on the impact of war on education in South Sudan and how to restore the country’s education system with Garang Malong’s long struggle through civil war and his quest for education in Kenya.

In his speech, Malong narrated what drove him to write the book while recalling his struggles in the Kenyan education system. As child solder in the then Sudan, he vividly recalled how difficult it was for him to comprehend why he had to suffer in the then war torn Sudan. “I dint know that one day I would write a book or even get education in Kenya,” Malong said.

The 93 page book has eight chapters beginning with his memoirs, education in conflict society (South Sudan), gender disparity in education, challenges facing children after prolonged war and the high level of illiteracy in his home county South Sudan.

The colourful occasion was attended by Minister of Education in Kenya Professor Sam Ongeri, Simon Nyang the Undersecretary Ministry of Commerce in the Republic of South Sudan, Mr. Kur Garang consular of South Sudan Embassy in Kenya (representing Ambassador Michael Majok Ayom), Mr. Valentino Achak Deng author of ‘What is the What’ book, Mr. Crowder Cris a missionary and close friend to Garang, the Nairobi University officials and students among other family members.

Professor Sam Ongeri began his speech by informing the attendees that education is the only ‘equalizer’ in the current society whether one is rich, different race, religion, political prowess among others.

The minister reiterated the commitments of Kenya to support the fledgling nation in the education sector. “Kenya will help South Sudan in developing academic curricula. We have been engaging with top education officials from the South Sudan national government to compare notes,” Ongeri said.

“Those of you who will read the ‘The Theatre of Hope’ will no doubt find it compelling, harrowing at
times, confronting in places. As a child he (Garang Malong), endured much contempt and ridicule from proud and arrogant Arabs but he derives his hard work and determination from his father to this day,” Ongeri said.

“Education is vital to the survival of a nation. Without it, people will continue to suffer, even with
their political independence.  Education in South Sudan has been bedecked by challenges emanating from the civil war that gripped the country over the past 40 years,” Ongeri continued.

Mr. Simon Nyang the Undersecretary Ministry of Commerce in the Republic of South Sudan passed congratulatory remarks from President Salva Kiir of South Sudan who is also a close family friend to the author’s father Governor Paul Malong Awan.

Mr. Nyang also thanked the Kenyan government for educating many South Sudanese. “Many South Sudanese received their education from most East African Schools especially from Kenya and Uganda. In 15 years, the next president of South Sudan will be from this crop of young professionals,” he said.

Mr. Tong Deng, a close family friend to the author appreciated the role Kenya played in the peace initiatives that led to the secession of South Sudan through Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD). He observed the role of education system in Kenya that has shaped many south Sudanese skills including Garang Malong.

In his key note speech, Mr. Valentino Achak Deng, author of “What is the What” book and founder of VAD foundation was deeply honoured of Garang’s well authored book “The theatre of hope”.

Valentine narrated how difficult it is to write a book from scratch. “Garang had to spend sleepless nights to recall painful memories in his childhood struggles, please read the book well and apply what is useful to your daily lives,” he said.

Mr. Kur Garang the consular of South Sudan Embassy in Kenya thanked the Kenyan Minister of education for the good work his country is doing to nature young South Sudanese. Garang recalled the story of Tito Yak Kuol, a South Sudanese who emerged 4th position in last year’s Kenya Certificate of Primary Education making his country proud.

“Do you know how difficult it is when these young South Sudanese meet their parents after 15 years, when they go back home someone has to introduce them to their own parents. This is the price they have to pay to achieve their dreams and to help South Sudan grow,” Garang said.

Garang also promised Professor Ongeri that he will register all South Sudanese nationals studying in Kenya and officially present the list to him for purposes of accountability and good neighbourliness.

About Garang Malong
Garang Malong was born to Paul Malong and Achol kuel Athiani in Warwar village of the then war-torn Sudan. His birth came at a time when civil war was fife in the country and being a patriotic young boy, Garang rose up in arms in a bid to protect his beloved country in a war that lasted two decades.

He is now a student at the University of Nairobi as well as the Chairperson of Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) Nairobi Chapter. In the events that culminated to the South Sudan pulling from the North, Garang’s contribution as the voice of southerners in Kenya cannot go unnoticed. For this reason, he has on many occasions featured on Kenya’s press, notably the frequent live television interviews.

A visionary leader as he is, Garang founded Gatkubai International, an NGO concerned with environmental conservation, peace restoration and education of young Africans in general and South Sudan in Particular.

The book currently costs 1,000 KSH (12 USD) and can be found at the bookshops;

Kenya 
Nakumatt lifestyle (Wells bookshop)
University of Nairobi (Library bookshop)

South Sudan 
To be laucnched in Juba and Aweil this month

For more information, inquiries;
Tell:    +254 724 – 888 439 
           +211 956 – 220 062 
Email  garangmalong@yahoo.com