Global Storytelling Initiative

The Morning by the Pond

It was early morning in a quiet, remote village in Jonglei. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting golden rays over the grassy fields and reflecting softly on the still waters of a village pond. Birds chirped in the distance, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of dew.

A young boy named Deng walked toward the pond with excitement. Like many boys in the village, he often set his fishing net in the water overnight, hoping to catch fish that would help feed his family. On this morning, his heart raced with anticipation as he leaned down to check the net.

As Deng pulled the net out of the pond, he suddenly felt a sharp movement inside. Before he could react, a large mudfish twisted and lunged toward his hand, its sharp teeth snapping dangerously close to his finger. Startled, Deng nearly lost his balance, but with quick reflexes he pulled his hand away just in time. His heart pounded as he realized how close he had come to being bitten.

Although shaken, Deng smiled with relief. The mudfish was still tangled in the net, thrashing wildly. With determination, he tightened his grip on the net and carefully lifted it out of the water. What had first been a moment of fear soon turned into triumph—he had caught a strong fish that would surely bring joy to his family’s breakfast table.

That morning, Deng walked back home proudly with the catch swinging at his side, carrying not just food but also a story of courage and luck to share with his friends.

Kur and His Beloved Puppy

Kur is an eleven-year-old South Sudanese boy who lives in Kakuma Refugee Camp. Life in the camp is never easy—crowded shelters, long queues for food and water, and the constant fear of insecurity. Despite the challenges, Kur always tried to find moments of joy, especially with his friends from different countries.

One day, while playing with his Congolese friends, Kur received a little puppy. From the moment he held it in his arms, he felt something special. He had always wished for a companion at home, someone who could keep him company and maybe even guard the family in times of danger. The puppy became more than just an animal—it became Kur’s friend.

Every morning, the puppy wagged its tail and followed him around the camp. Kur would share part of his food with it, play with it after school, and even talk to it when he felt lonely. The dog brought laughter and comfort to a life that was often filled with struggles. Slowly, the puppy became part of the family, loved and cared for just like any other member.

But after four short months, tragedy struck. The puppy fell ill and died. Kur could hardly believe it. He cried bitterly, his heart heavy with grief. For days, he refused to play with his friends or eat properly. Losing the dog was the first time he had ever experienced such deep pain. It was as if a piece of his heart had been taken away.

It took months before Kur began to heal. Even though the sadness remained, he slowly learned to smile again. Yet in his heart, he knew his puppy would always remain unforgettable. For him, it had never been just a dog—it was family, a loyal friend, and a reminder that even in the hardest places, love and companionship can bloom.

SPLA-IO Spokesperson Apologizes for Misidentified Photo of Late Capt. Luka Gathok

The Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) has issued a formal apology following the circulation of a misidentified photograph wrongly linked to the late Captain Luka Gathok Nyuon, who passed away recently in Juba.

SPLA-IO Spokesperson Lam Gabriel said the photo, which was widely shared on social media and internal platforms, was initially believed to show the late officer. However, further verification revealed that the image was taken years ago at Rumbek prison and bore no connection to Capt. Luka Gathok.

In a statement, the SPLA-IO Media Unit admitted the mistake, took full responsibility, and expressed regret to the family, colleagues, and the wider public for the misinformation. The spokesperson emphasized that the error stemmed from reliance on an unverified source that had provided the image.

“The SPLA-IO Media Unit sincerely apologizes to the family of the late Captain Luka Gathok and the people of South Sudan for the error. We are committed to ensuring that such incidents do not happen again,” the statement read.

The SPLA-IO further pledged to strengthen its fact-checking mechanisms and review its internal communication processes to prevent the circulation of inaccurate or misleading information in the future.

The late Capt. Luka Gathok Nyuon was a respected officer remembered for his service within the SPLA-IO. His passing in Juba was met with widespread condolences from colleagues, family, and members of the public.

The apology from the SPLA-IO leadership underscores the growing importance of accuracy in information-sharing during sensitive times, particularly when honoring the lives of fallen officers.