Journalists – National Press Club

Yambio, June 21, 2024 – The National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS) successfully organized a one-day Peer to Peer network Workshop in Yambio, Western Equatoria State. The event focused on the theme: “Advancing Freedom of Expression, Media Rights, and Access to Information for South Sudanese Citizens.”

Supported by USAID through IREX, More than fifteen participants from Civil Society, Journalists, Secondary School students, Persons with disabilities, Women, and Youth participated in the workshop. Mr. Zingbondo J. Emmanuel, Director General of the State Ministry of Information and Communication, expressed gratitude to NPC-SS and IREX for organizing the inclusive event in Yambio. “This training marks a significant milestone, especially with the inclusion of persons with disabilities, Chiefs, and members of civil society,” he remarked, to enhance access to information, it is crucial to bring together such diverse groups, he added.

Mr. Emmanuel reiterated the State Ministry of Information’s commitment to promoting Media Freedom in Western Equatoria. He urged media development partners to continue their support, emphasizing that the State Government alone cannot fully support journalists and media workers in the region.

Addressing journalists, Mr. Emmanuel stressed the importance of ethical standards in delivering reliable and accurate information, particularly as South Sudan prepares for elections and constitution-making processes. He expressed confidence that partnerships with organizations like NPC-SS, with support from USAID and IREX, will foster positive developments in the media landscape.

Mr. Ochaya James, Executive Director of the National Press Club, highlighted that the workshop aimed to empower and create platforms for information dissemination across Western Equatoria and beyond. Acknowledging the collaboration between citizens, state leadership, and media development partners, Mr. James affirmed NPC-SS’s vision for an enabling environment for journalists and media workers.

Flora Gume, the NPC-SS focal person in Yambio, expressed gratitude to NPC-SS, IREX, and USAID for prioritizing journalists and stakeholders in Yambio. She emphasized the workshop’s potential to empower citizens in using media to bolster democracy and access to information.

Gume encouraged journalists to leverage the training to enhance their capabilities in educating, informing, and entertaining society.

Participants pose for group photo

Juba, May 8, 2024 – The National Press Club-South Sudan (NPC-SS) has successfully concluded a momentous event in honor of World Press Freedom Day on May 6. Under the theme “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of Environmental Crisis,” the event, supported by USAID through IREX, brought together a diverse group of over thirty participants from esteemed institutions such as the University of Juba, Stafford International University, and MDI, as well as representatives from secondary schools, civil society, the media, and strategic partners.

The occasion was marked by compelling speeches from notable figures, including the esteemed Dean of the School of Journalism, Media, and Communication Studies at the University of Juba, Dr. Rebecca Lorins who highlighted the university’s unwavering commitment to producing competent journalists despite the challenges posed by limited press freedom in South Sudan. She called upon media organizations and partners to join forces with the institution in pursuit of this noble goal.

Recognizing the harsh realities faced by journalists; IREX representative, Linet Omwange acknowledged the precarious nature of press freedom in South Sudan where journalists grapple with constant threats, intimidation, and pervasive censorship. However, she emphasized the transformative power of accessible media, stating, “Accessible media should serve as a secure space for civil society and a platform for freedom of expression for human rights defenders.” She further emphasized the significance of radio and audio formats in local languages as effective channels for education, particularly considering the high illiteracy rates in South Sudan.

In a rallying call to emerging journalists, she urged them to remain steadfast in providing accurate information on the pressing issue of the environmental crisis, both within South Sudan and beyond.

Meanwhile, the USAID Director for Democracy and Governance underscored the importance of commemorating World Press Freedom Day, asserting that press freedom stands as a vital pillar of democracy. “Press freedom is one of the strongest foundations of a robust democracy,” he declared, emphasizing that without press freedom, a viable democracy cannot thrive.

Driven by a shared vision, NPC-SS, along with support from IREX, UNESCO, and other valued partners, remains steadfast in its commitment to establishing a resilient, sustainable, and independent media landscape in South Sudan.

During a panel discussion, Josephine Achiro, Chairperson of AMDISS, expressed her profound gratitude for the opportunity presented to students, stating, “This is an unprecedented chance that I never had during my university days. Today, I am elated because as students, you have access to this invaluable knowledge at an early stage.”

She encouraged all participants to harness the information gained during the event to elevate their journalism practice and make a lasting impact.

Participants pose for group photo

Participants attending to presentation

Posts

NPC-SS Conducts a Workshop for Journalist Peer-to-Peer Network

NPC-SS Commemorates World Press Freedom Day (WPFD); Advocates for Independent Media in South Sudan