The United States Agency for International Development or USAID on Tuesday launched a new Civic Engagement Center in Wau, Western Bahr El Ghazal State to serve as a neutral platform for civil society to access information.
A press statement indicates that the Civic Engagement Center in Wau also serves in sharing meeting space with other civil society organizations and improving communications among organizations while offering education to members of local community.
The Civic Engagement Center highlights civil society’s work in conflict mitigation, reconciliation, transitional justice, the delivery of critical services and other community-driven issues.
US Ambassador to South Sudan Mary Catherine Phee who visited Wau Tuesday inaugurated the Center, saying ‘Communities throughout the country are looking for civil society organizations to represent their concerns and advocate for sustainable peace.’
Civil society organizations support citizens by delivering key social services, advocating for important community issues and serving as a key link between communities and government.
Many civil society organizations lack the resources to maintain permanent office space, access the internet, or implement long-term programs that raise community concerns and improve government responsiveness.