Home
Who We AreGovernance & LeadershipOur JourneyOur PartnersTransparency
EducationConservation AgricultureYouth EmpowermentAdvocacy & Civic Engagement
Annual ReportsProgramme ReportsResearch & AssessmentsGovernance & LegalPolicies & Strategic Documents
NewsGet InvolvedContact
Donate
Advocacy & Civic Engagement

Citizen voice & accountability

Strengthening participation, especially for women and youth, and building bridges between communities, decision-makers and service providers.

Strengthen Civic VoiceGet Involved
The Programme

Creating space for communities to be heard

EmpowerKids–South Sudan's Advocacy & Civic Engagement programme works to strengthen citizen participation, community voice and accountability.

We create opportunities for community members to understand their rights, raise concerns, engage with local leaders and participate constructively in decisions that affect their lives.

Our work places particular emphasis on creating space for women, youth and other groups whose voices may not always be represented in public decision-making.

Civic Engagement in Action

From community concerns to constructive dialogue

💬

Community Dialogue Series

Regular, facilitated dialogues bring community members together with local leaders and service providers. These conversations provide a structured space for residents to raise concerns, discuss community priorities and propose solutions.

Community voiceDialogueProblem-solving
Learn more →
🏛️

Councillors for Citizens

Supporting elected local representatives to become more responsive and connected to the communities they serve. The initiative encourages councillors to hold community meetings, listen to citizen priorities, report back and take action.

AccountabilityRepresentationCitizen priorities
Learn more →
📢

Civic Awareness

Civic awareness sessions help community members understand rights, governance and opportunities to participate in public processes, with emphasis on women and youth.

Rights & responsibilitiesGovernance awarenessParticipation
Learn more →
🤝

Community–Authority Engagement

EKSS facilitates constructive engagement between communities, local authorities and service providers around issues affecting everyday life.

Community prioritiesService deliveryConstructive engagement
Learn more →

From Voice to Action

A pathway for meaningful civic participation

01

UNDERSTAND

Community members gain greater awareness of their rights, responsibilities, governance processes and opportunities for participation.

02

SPEAK

People have safe and structured platforms to raise concerns, share experiences and communicate community priorities.

03

ENGAGE

Communities engage with councillors, local authorities and service providers through constructive dialogue.

04

ACT

Citizen priorities can inform discussions, follow-up actions and efforts to improve accountability and service delivery.

Our Civic Impact

Measuring participation and community engagement

8+

Community Dialogues

Facilitated community dialogues held in Juba and surrounding areas.

3

Councillor Initiatives

Councillor accountability initiatives supported.

500+

Community Members Reached

People engaged through civic education and community dialogue activities.

Results

MetricOutcomeVerification
8Community dialogues heldDialogue reports & attendance lists
3Councillor accountability initiatives supportedProject documentation
500+Community members engaged in civic education and dialogueParticipant registers

Our programme results are supported by programme documentation and participant records.

Community Dialogues

Making space for conversation and solutions

Community dialogue provides a structured environment where residents, local leaders and service providers can come together. Rather than simply identifying problems, the dialogue process encourages participants to discuss concerns, understand different perspectives and identify possible solutions.

Community members

People directly affected by local issues and service delivery challenges.

Local leaders

Leaders who can help understand and respond to community priorities.

Service providers

Relevant actors involved in delivering services to communities.

Civil society

Organisations and community structures that can support participation and accountability.

Inclusion & Participation

Making sure more voices can be heard

Women

Supporting greater participation and representation of women in community discussions and civic processes.

Youth

Creating opportunities for young people to develop their civic voice and participate constructively in community affairs.

Marginalised groups

Working to create more inclusive spaces where people who may otherwise be left out of decision-making can contribute their perspectives.

Communities

Strengthening collective participation so that community priorities can be communicated more effectively.

How We Work with Communities

Dialogue built on respect, evidence and participation

Listen

We begin by understanding community concerns, experiences and priorities.

Connect

We bring relevant community members, leaders and service providers together.

Discuss

Participants explore issues openly and respectfully.

Follow Up

Where appropriate, discussions can lead to further engagement, action and accountability.

Connected Pathways

Civic voice is connected to wider community development

👥

Youth Empowerment

Young people need opportunities not only to develop skills and livelihoods, but also to participate in conversations about their communities and future.

Explore Youth Empowerment →
📚

Education Support

Education can strengthen people's ability to understand opportunities, participate in society and pursue their aspirations.

Explore Education Support →
🌱

Conservation Agriculture Programme

Agriculture and livelihoods are connected to the wellbeing of communities, making community participation important to local development.

Explore Conservation Agriculture →

Partners & Donors

Working with communities and institutions

Community structures

Local groups and community structures that help identify priorities and mobilise participation.

Civil-society networks

Organisations working to strengthen community voice, participation and accountability.

Local authorities

Engaging decision-makers and elected representatives around community priorities.

Service providers

Supporting constructive conversations around services and community needs.

Governance & civic-space donors

Partners supporting stronger participation, accountability and civic engagement.

Partner With Us

Civic Engagement in Action

Resources

Learn more about civic engagement

Advocacy Briefs

Information and insights from EKSS's advocacy and civic engagement work.

Dialogue Guides

Materials supporting structured and constructive community dialogue.

Civic Education Materials

Resources designed to help communities understand participation, governance and civic engagement.

Visit the Document Shelf →

Support Civic Voice

Help communities participate in decisions that shape their lives. Every community deserves opportunities to be heard. Your support helps create spaces where citizens can participate, raise concerns, engage decision-makers and contribute to solutions.

Donate

Help support community dialogue, civic education and participation activities.

Partner

Work with EKSS to strengthen civic engagement and accountability.

Volunteer

Contribute your skills, knowledge or professional experience.

Donate NowGet Involved

Stronger communities start with a voice.

Support EmpowerKids–South Sudan in creating more opportunities for citizens to participate, engage and help shape the decisions that affect their lives.

Donate NowContact Us