Mrs Deng has four daughters. They are at high school and university.

She is very proud of her daughters. She likes to tell them about her life growing up as a girl.

"In traditional Nuer culture, when a girl reaches the age of ten, she is usually given household chores. The chores include grinding, cooking, collecting firewood, and even milking cows," says Mrs Deng.

"These are the chores that a girl knows she should do from morning to evening. The mother of a girl must make sure that her daughter knows this work."

"These practices show that a girl is respectful, able to work, and has been taught well by her mother. A married woman must be able to manage her household."

"If a girl does not know how to do these chores, it is hard for her to get married because she would not be able to manage her household."

"These are the duties of a girl in traditional Nuer culture," says Mrs Deng to her daughters.

"I have taught you well, you are ready for marriage."

Mrs Deng concludes, "But first, you will complete your education, my daughters. That is my duty to you and your duty to yourselves."

"And find husbands who are respectful, able to work, and have been taught well by their parents," adds Mrs Deng with a smile.

"Yes, mom, we know!" say her daughters as they hug their mother.