Zaraf English Books
A Life Without Parents
Athieng Khon Khon
In A Life Without Parents, Athieng Khon Khon, a courageous young woman, recounts her powerful journey of survival, resilience, and self-determination. Orphaned at just twelve—after losing her father at the age of five and her mother seven years later—she was thrust into a world that showed little mercy. Taken in by a relative who offered hope but delivered hardship, she was forced into child labor and left to navigate life largely on her own.
Against all odds, she found ways to survive, supporting herself through odd jobs and gradually earning enough to fund her education. Now, as she stands on the brink of graduating from university, she reflects on the pain, perseverance, and strength that carried her this far. This memoir is a powerful tribute to the human spirit’s ability to rise—even from the harshest beginnings.
Athieng Khon Khon is an inspiring student at the Catholic University of South Sudan, where she is pursuing a degree in Environmental Science in the Department of Management and Planning. After completing her secondary education at the Comprehensive College in Kuajok, she has forged a path defined by resilience and determination.
Born in 2001 in Titiathieng, Awan Chan Nyal- Warrap State, Athieng is also a talented tailor, skillfully creating clothing for both men and women, as well as bedsheets. Orphaned at the age of 12, she faced immense challenges, yet through unwavering hard work, she has been able to finance her education from primary school through to university. Now residing in Juba, she stands as a powerful example of the strength of the human spirit.