South Sudan has been mired in conflict, poverty and corruption since its independence in 2011, but the success of its models has been a ray of positivity. 'Heartbroken'Successful models can earn tens of thousands of US dollars in a season, a life-changing amount in South Sudan where 92% live under the poverty line. Bichar Hoah, 24, raised by a single mother in Kakuma refugee camp in neighbouring Kenya, was recently rejected for a European visa. There are added challenges in a conservative country like South Sudan. "One day, really, South Sudan will change," said Agou.

Source: Bangkok Post March 13, 2026 12:33 UTC