South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
In a significant step toward improving access to information and fostering civic engagement, Salam Junub, in partnership with UNESCO and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has launched a basic journalism training programme for volunteer journalists in Terekeka County.
The initiative comes ahead of the official launch of the Terekeka Community Radio, the county’s first local radio station.
The eleven days of training involved seven females and eight males from all ten Payams of Terekeka County.
Speaking at the opening of the training, Terekeka County Commissioner Emmanuel Loku emphasised the importance of development in the area and called for collective responsibility.
“Terekeka is far behind in terms of development,” Loku said. “We need development in Terekeka County, and I urge the community and our partners to work together to make this happen.”
Emmanuel stated that the radio would help address the issues facing the communities of Terekeka.
JICA representative Wudu Dickson praised the community for the progress made and encouraged local efforts to sustain the new radio station.
“I congratulate the people of Terekeka for establishing this community radio,” Dickson said. “Please ensure it stays on air. It belongs to you.”
The Director General of the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Communication and Information, Mogga Emmanuel, reaffirmed the government’s support for the station.
“This radio is here for you,” Emmanuel said. “Those who brought it will eventually leave, so the community must take responsibility for running it. The ministry will support the radio to keep it operational.”
He also urged the trainee journalists to take the programme seriously: “This training is very important. I urge all participants to make the most of it.”
Until now, Terekeka was the only one of Central Equatoria State’s six counties without a community radio station. Local leaders highlighted the importance of learning from other counties that have successfully maintained similar platforms.
The Salam Junub Project Manager Debora Yar highlighted the broader goals of the initiative, emphasising community building and resilience.
“We have strived to bring people together, bridge divides, and build resilience,” the project manager said. “One of our flagship programmes, ‘Take Tea Together’ (TTT), has brought together over 3,000 participants from diverse backgrounds to foster dialogue and unity.”
The organisation has previously implemented impactful projects in several counties, including Juba, Mvolo, Yirol West, and Terekeka, focusing on social cohesion and agricultural development. With funding from KOICA and UNDP, Salam Junub has helped enhance food security and income generation through training and resource support.
The upcoming launch of Terekeka Community Radio is seen as a milestone in promoting civic awareness and public participation, especially ahead of the upcoming elections.
“This station will be a vital platform for sharing information around the elections and beyond,” said the project manager. “It’s a step forward for inclusive governance and informed civic participation.”
Salam Junub and its partners expressed gratitude to the local government and community members for their support in making the radio station a reality.
