The youth initiative, launched this year in Mundri, Western Equatoria State, aims to promote peace, unity, and productivity among young people while providing them with an alternative platform for positive engagement and self-expression.
According to Mr. Emiru Emmanuel, the Branch Manager and Counsellor at YMCA Mundri, the film project serves both as a social campaign and an empowerment initiative for local youth.
“We believe developing our talents is far better than waiting for white-collar jobs,” Emmanuel said. “When young people come together, share ideas, and use their creativity, they can build a better future and contribute positively to society.”
He noted that despite the country’s harsh economic conditions, the team remains committed to its vision by contributing small amounts from their own pockets to fund production equipment and logistics.
“We have no external funding. Whatever little we have, we put it together to make things happen. It’s our way of proving that determination and teamwork can change lives,” he added.
The YMCA, which has been active in Mundri since 2023, aims to strengthen youth spiritually, mentally, and physically. The young filmmakers plan to produce a series of short films that can later be sold to well-wishers to support and sustain their community programs.
The films address critical issues such as unemployment, trauma, and substance abuse, which Emmanuel says have worsened social instability among the youth.
“When young people abuse drugs, their mindset changes, and this often leads to violence,” he said. “Through drama and comedy, we can communicate these realities in a way that sparks reflection without confrontation.”
Local civil society activist Odetta Miwai, who spoke to Sudans Post, praised the initiative as a powerful step toward community transformation.
“The Mundri youth have made a bold decision to use film as a tool for change,” she said. “This is how communities can come together to discuss critical issues peacefully. It is also a way to influence the mindset of children, adults, and families toward peace.”
Miwai appealed to development partners and donors to support the youth through financial aid, technical training, and moral encouragement, saying their efforts demonstrate innovation and a spirit of peacebuilding.
“These young people are showing leadership through creativity. Other youth groups across Western Equatoria should learn from them and avoid actions that cause insecurity in the state,” she added.
The Mundri film initiative adds to a growing wave of youth-led creativity in Western Equatoria. In Yambio, similar groups such as the Vision Live Band and COPAD Youth Initiative are using art and music to promote peace and fight harmful social practices like child marriage.
As the YMCA Mundri youth prepare to release their next film, their message remains clear — unity, creativity, and action are the most powerful tools for rebuilding communities and inspiring hope among young South Sudanese.
“If we wait for change, it may never come,” Emmanuel concluded. “But if we use our talents together, we can build the future we dream of.”
