13th February marks World Radio Day, a day to thank broadcasters for the news they deliver, the voices they amplify and the stories they share.
For many, especially with the communities we work with – radio is an inclusive and important outlet for not just news, entertainment and public announcements but can bring about far-reaching social change and education.
Where satellite signal is rare and electricity unreliable, for many communities in the global south, radio is the best means of communication for connection and staying informed about what is happening locally and around you.
From radio schools in Zambia to health education in Tanzania – radio and its outreach continues to support those at the margins.
In November, last year, the Multi-educational and Agricultural Jesuit Institute of South Sudan (or MAJIS) celebrated its 15th anniversary of mission and development seeking to support the lives of the most marginalised communities of our world.
The celebration was broadcasted far and wide in South Sudan and for #WorldRadioDay
Emmanuel Loboka communications officer with the development office based in Rumbek, South Sudan shares highlights from the day marking the incredible milestone!
In the quiet community of Akol Jal, a place once marked by long walking distances to school, limited access to clean water, and few opportunities for children, especially girls, a remarkable transformation has begun to unfold.
This change traces back to a single gift: land offered to the Jesuits in 2005.
St Peter Faber Primary School students, Akol Jal
Today, the people of Akol Jal celebrate not just a date on the calendar, but the hope, growth, and unity that MAJIS has brought into their lives.
Makol Mading Long, the Boma Administrator of Ako Jal, recalls the day clearly:
“We gave this land earlier in 2005 on 11.11. Today we celebrate its day.”
What started as a simple act of giving has become a cornerstone of community development.
The newly built St. Peter Faber Primary School has changed the lives of hundreds of children who previously had to walk long distances to Rumbek Town in search of education.
“The school has brought valuable change. Now girls compete with boys in class—something we never saw in the 1990s.”
The community now dreams bigger—of a Secondary School, school feeding programs, and clean water facilities to sustain the children and their families.
John Makuac Meen, said that the school is more than a building—it is the foundation of his future.
“Since the establishment of this school, I started in Primary One until now in Primary Six. We thank the Jesuits because we no longer struggle to walk to Rumbek Town.”
John’s dream is simple but powerful: a Secondary School right in Akol Jal, so children can continue learning close to their families.
MAJIS also was a safe haven for women in times of need during moments of conflict and uncertainty. The MAJIS Centre became a refuge for many women.
Mary Ayen Mading, the Women Representative, speaks with deep appreciation:
“MAJIS was our shelter. They encouraged us, fed us, and helped when we needed it most.”
Today, the support continues—not through relief, but through empowerment. Women in Akol Jal are being trained in farming, receiving seeds, goats, chickens, and agricultural skills that help them feed their families and generate income.
Mary now calls for more tools to expand their vegetable production, confident in what women can achieve when given the opportunity.
“About 100 households dissolved and gave their land to the Jesuits so our children would have a chance to learn.” Said Sub-Chief Sultan Kur Maduk
He proudly calls on parents to send all their children—including girls—to school, dismissing the harmful belief that a girl needs nothing more than marriage.
Sub-Chief Sultan Kur Maduk
“Let girls focus on education instead of dreaming of being married to a rich man. Education is her true future!”
William Dukpuon Matit, the Head Teacher of St. Peter Faber Primary School, said the school’s growth has been nothing short of inspiring.
“The Jesuits opened the school for children who used to come to the compound with their mothers. It gradually grew into a full Primary School.”
Today, we celebrate MAJIS not only for education, but also for empowering women and supporting agricultural and animal production.
He urges parents to cooperate, provide school uniforms and fees, and continue enrolling their children.
The story of Akol Jal is one of courage, generosity, and vision. From elders who gave their land, to women who found refuge and strength, to children who can now dream beyond the borders of their village—MAJIS has become a partner in building a brighter future.
Education is no longer a distant hope in Akol Jal—it is a living reality!
At IJI we want to continue making stories of transformation & empowering communities like Akol Jal to create brighter futures for themselves.
This Lent we are excited to launch our Red Chair Campaign which is an education fund dedicated to supporting the education needs of the most marginalised communities of our world including South Sudan.
The significance of the red chair symbolizes a child’s school place and seat in the classroom. In the places where we work, extreme poverty and discrimination leave communities behind and children who should be in school aren’t – and we want to change that!
This education fund is about leaving no one behind and support and donations will pool monies to continue to bring education to those who need it most.
The fund covers several aspects, all of which are vital to building brighter futures now and for future generations to come. The Red Chair campaign will support teacher salaries, teacher trainings, school lunches, learning materials, uniforms and even classroom construction in South Sudan, Kenya, Nigeria & Uganda.
Be part of something amazing and contribute no matter how big or small to a movement truly changing lives for the better!
