Meet Bul Dau: Careworker Championing Change for Children in South Sudan

Bul Dau sharing quality time minors at a child-friendly centre in GeiGer. The centre is supported by Africa Development Aid - ADA.

John Bul Dau reflects on his life not with sorrow or resentment, but with a sense of hope, humility, and purpose. Now a committed child protection caseworker, his path to this role began under far more difficult conditions.

In 1987, at the age of 12, John was among thousands of boys who had to flee the violence engulfing his hometown of Bor, in what was then southern Sudan. The journey to Ethiopia—entirely on foot—was long and grueling, driven by the hope for safety and a chance at education. Along the way, he witnessed many children fall behind from exhaustion, and some never made it. But like others with unwavering resolve, John pressed on.

Children interacting at a child-friendly space in the GeiGer, Renk County, Jonglei State. The center is run by the Africa Development Aid (ADA) with the support from UNICEF South Sudan.

“We would walk for about three hours each day and rest. That’s how we traveled — step by step,” John recalls. “There were no vehicles, just faith and the will to survive.”

Although separated from his family, John remained hopeful. In 1995, years after that long journey, he was reunited with his parents — a moment he describes as one of the most emotional of his life.

Since then, John’s life has been shaped by a deep desire to help others, especially children. Today, he works at GeiGer Center, a child-friendly space in the GeiGer, Renk County, Jonglei State. The center is run by the Africa Development Aid (ADA) and supported by UNICEF South Sudan. Here, children come to play, heal, and find a sense of normalcy.

“Many of the children here have been through difficult experiences,” says John. “My background helps me understand them. I know what it means to feel alone or afraid — and I know how important it is to feel seen and supported.”

Bul Dau playing volleyball match with children at GeiGer Settlement Camp in Renk County, Jonglei State. The center has child-safe-space which is run by the Africa Development Aid (ADA) with the support from UNICEF South Sudan.

As a child protection worker, John’s role is hands-on. He identifies cases of vulnerability, ensures children receive appropriate care, and helps families navigate difficult circumstances. His approach is calm, compassionate, and rooted in experience.

“In Santa, I deal with children who sometimes act out — they might fight, or struggle emotionally. But you need patience and understanding. You can’t lead children with anger. You lead them with trust.”

Beyond his professional role, John is seen as a father figure to many children at the center. He spends two days a week there, often joining in their games — from football to card games — building bonds and restoring childhoods that were once disrupted.

Children’s voices light up when they see him: “John is coming!” they shout. And he always shows up.

Bul Dau taking a walk at the at GeiGer Settlement Camp in Renk County, Jonglei State. The center has child-safe-space which is run by the Africa Development Aid (ADA) with the support from UNICEF South Sudan.

Outside of work, John enjoys farming — a skill he picked up during his time in Uganda — and it helps him support his family. “Farming gives me income, and I’ve built a small store at home. Life is good now. I enjoy it,” he says with a smile.

John’s story is not only about survival — it’s about service, resilience, and transformation. From a boy walking through uncertainty, he has become a man building certainty for others. A protector. A mentor. A champion.

And in the heart of South Sudan, where hope is often tested, John Bul Dau continues to prove that one person can make a world of difference.

This story was developed from an advocacy project by UNICEF and Africa Development Aid (ADA) and produced by Ruthilla Digital.