By Ginaba Lino
Caritas South Sudan, in partnership with Caritas Slovenia and CeoCodis Information Systems, has launched a two-day training workshop in Juba to empower Staff from different Church Institutions and South Sudan’s key stakeholders in utilizing free satellite imagery tools.
The project, co-financed by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, aims to build youth capacity in using satellite technology to monitor environmental challenges such as droughts, floods, and deforestation.
Speaking during the opening session, Matijaz Ivacic, Managing Director of CeoCodis, said the initiative is focused on equipping youth with practical skills using freely available satellite data.
“Africa has the most talented young people,” he said. “We want to help them grow, become self-reliant, and use technology to fight climate change.”
Participants are being trained in Quantum Geographic Information Systems (QGIS), data collection, analysis, mapping, and basic data management.
Father Louis Romano, Deputy Secretary General of the Sudan and South Sudan Bishops’ Conference, thanked the implementing partners and urged participants to stay committed.
“Most plans fail due to a lack of commitment,” he stated. “Let us work together, share experiences, and fulfill our mission to transform our country.”
A total of 33 participants, including youth from various dioceses and government institutions, attended the workshop.