CRN Trains Community Members in Tonj on Using Radio to Promote Peace

By Simon Hagimiir

The Catholic Radio Network (CRN), with support from Norwegian People’s Aid, has successfully trained 27 individuals in Tonj, Warrap State, on using radio to promote peace and democratization. The one-day peace training event brought together representatives from various church denominations in Tonj South County, youth leaders, women’s groups, the callers of Don Bosco Radio, and government representatives.

The goal of the training was to underscore the crucial role these community members can play in spreading messages of peace and fostering unity through radio. By empowering these groups with the skills to use radio as a peace-building tool, the initiative aimed to amplify the importance of peace within the local community.

Margaret Gaetano Goc, the manager of Don Bosco Radio, emphasized the vital role youth can play in promoting peace. “Young people have a significant role to play in changing their communities. You must become ambassadors of peace,” she urged, underscoring the youth’s potential to be catalysts for positive change in the region.

Fr. Joseph Hung, the Parish Priest of Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Diocese of Rumbek, also echoed the importance of peace in daily life. “Peace is essential in every aspect of our lives,” he said. “Let us not remain silent about the peace of Christ; let the message of peace never stop.”

One of the participants, Young Kadiko, spoke about the power of collective prayer in fostering peace. “Let us all call upon God, our Father, with one voice, to lead us to the true peace that our Lord has left us, and let us live with love,” he urged, emphasizing the need for unity in the pursuit of peace.

Government representative Mr. Mario Lau Babur addressed South Sudan’s challenges, particularly the lack of functional justice systems. “People must forgive themselves first for peace to prevail,” he said. “When justice fails, people take the law into their own hands, and that’s why we continue to see violence.”

Although peace training initiatives have been held in South Sudan before, the country remains plagued by instability. This latest training aims to equip communities with the tools needed to break the cycle of violence and contribute to a more peaceful future for South Sudan.