Communities in Western Equatoria are taking a bold step in the fight against misinformation, as Digital Rights Frontlines, in collaboration with Journalists for Human Rights in South Sudan, hosted a one-day capacity-building workshop in Yambio.
The training, which drew over 40 participants including civil society activists, youth leaders, and media practitioners aimed to strengthen community resilience against harmful information, which has often fueled tension and eroded trust across communities.
Mr. Isaac Fura, the Director General at the State Ministry of Information and Communication, who officiated the workshop, urged participants to take the session seriously.
“This topic is wide and deeply affects our society. I encourage the organizers to extend such trainings beyond a day so participants can gain more skills to tackle harmful information effectively,” Fura said.
The focal person of Digital Rights Frontlines in Yambio, Angeline Sani John, explained that the initiative is being rolled out in Malakal, Bor, Unity State, and Yambio.
“Our goal is to empower communities, especially the youth and media, to not only identify harmful information but to build resilience and share accurate content that promotes peace and unity,” she stressed.
Participants welcomed the training, noting that it comes at a time when harmful content spreads rapidly through digital platforms.
One participant representative highlighted the value of the knowledge gained.
“We are now better equipped to filter what we consume and share. We must serve as ambassadors to spread accurate information in our communities.”
The workshop is set to conclude tomorrow with a live radio talk show to further elaborate on how communities can safeguard themselves against harmful content.
Observers say the impact of such training will go beyond the participants. Journalists will apply ethical reporting, youth leaders will challenge misinformation in their spaces, and civil society actors will use their platforms to educate citizens creating a ripple effect in building a more informed and united Western Equatoria.