Sheila Ponnie Juba based journalist, born in South Sudan, graduate of Nkumba University in Entebbe. Began her journalism career as a news and programming intern/reporter with Radio Miraya, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, (UNMISS). She also hosted a nightly news and culture radio program Read moreon Radio One 89Today, she works as a freelance correspondent for (VOA) the Voice of America Network and (VOA) South Sudan in Focus, where she files video, radio and online reports from South Sudan, and East Africa, edited and broadcast from the VOA News Production Center in Washington, DC and London.

Through her career, Sheila has contributed to several local and international news organizations and NGOs, such as RFI, DPA news UNICEF, UNFPA, WFP and the Japanese, International, Cooperation Agency (JICA) among others.

Sheila also covers South Sudan's local news as a general assignment reporter, on issues of politics, women and girls health, environment and sports for The City Review South Sudan, a locally published, online news agency. 

She has been chosen to participate in several women in media and press freedom conferences - in Finland, Morocco, Uganda, Kenya, and Zambia, among others. Last year, Sheila was invited by the IGAD Center for Excellence, in Djibouti, to participate in a conference on "Journalism and Reporting to Counter Extremist Violence Messaging".

Sheila is also an active member of (AWIM), African Women in Media and (IWMF) International Women's Media Foundation

Waakhe Simon Wudu is a an award winning South Sudanese freelance journalist based currently in Juba, South Sudan and sometimes Nairobi, Kenya. On several occasions he moves out of the capital, Juba to other States across the Country for journalism work. 

With over ten years of experiences in Read morejournalism reporting in South Sudan and across the eastern African region, he specializes on print and radio journalism. He reports on several beats mainly on politics, conflicts, economy, environment and climate change topics. 

He is an alumni of the International Visitors Leadership Program or IVLP cohort of April/May 2023 with focus on  Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists: 21 Century Approaches to Print and Radio Journalism.

Emmanuel Obeid is a seasoned journalist based in Juba, South Sudan, with a strong commitment to advocacy and disability rights. His multifaceted career encompasses freelancing, creating video documentaries, producing radio packages, and reporting breaking news. Obeid's reporting is not confined to Read moreJuba; he is willing and able to cover stories from various parts of the country, ensuring that important narratives reach a broader audience.

Obeid's articles and documentaries frequently spotlight the challenges faced by the deaf and disabled communities in South Sudan and across Africa. He delves into critical issues such as the barriers to education, healthcare, and public services that these communities encounter. Through his work, Obeid brings to the fore the efforts of individuals and organizations striving to foster inclusivity and equality, often referencing key international frameworks like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

In his journalism, Obeid underscores the urgent need for government action to enhance living conditions and safeguard the rights of people with disabilities. His dedication to this cause is evident in his persistent coverage and the depth of his reporting, which aims to influence policy and societal change. Through his professional endeavors, Emmanuel Obeid continues to be a vital voice in the media landscape, championing the stories that drive progress toward a more inclusive society.

BIOGRAPHY OF ONEN WALTER SOLOMON OKECH

Onen Walter Solomon Okech is a trained Broadcast Journalist with 11 years experience. I speaks in and write English Acholi/Luo languages.

I received professional training from Multi-Media Training Center (MMTC) in Juba, the then an institution which was Read morerun by veteran media professionals of the then Juba Radio. MMTC is now changed into Association of Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS).

Local and international media training:
-Radio France International (rfi); 
-DW-Akademie;
-Course on Radio for Developing Countries in China 2011; and
-Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA.

Media Experiences:
-Reporter for the then South Sudan Radio (SSR/SSTV) as an Announcer for four years, and reported for SSTV, now SSBC, for some months. 
-Acting News Editor for 88.4 City FM. 
-Radio France International (RFI) reporter in South Sudan from 2013 - 2014. 
-Media Trainer for Journalist for Human Rights (JHR), 2014 to 2016. 
-German Press Agency, dpa, reporter, June 2015 to June 2018.
-Produced and presented several radio documentaries on 2010 Sudan General Elections, 2011 Referendum, weekly Family Forum, Nation Building, and Outcome from the (South Sudan) Parliament including Kenyan Elections coverage in March 2013.

Walter measured in physiotherapy training at USRATUNA and one year in Ecological Studies at Free International University of Moldova (ULIM) Branch in Bor, Jonglei State in 2008. He is an ordinary diploma holder in film acting.

Maura Ajak, a freelance journalist, joined the journalism industry in 2014 and multitasked in the field as a reporter, presenter, producer, translator, photographer and videographer, trainer among others.

Worked with numerous International media outlets, currently a freelance with Al Jazeera Read moreMedia Network.

My coverages focus on R-ARCSS, Security Arrangements, Human Rights, Environment & Climate Justice , Youth, Arts, Sports.

MAJOR MILESTONES:

2018-2019 trained senior officers at national security, army and other organized forces on human rights reporting at the national and state level.

June 2023 appointed as Peace Ambassador for East Africa under IGAD Center for Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (ICEPCVE).

June 2022, Youth Earth Champion for East Africa

2022, participated in data collection on youth and climate migration for the Kampala declaration also produced contents online regarding climate change and migration.

June, 2021 Climate Action Awards East Africa

November, 2020. Won the third best pitch on Peace and Governance at the African Women in Media conference.

May 2017 Awarded as Human Rights Defender by the South Sudanese civil society organization Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO) for holding the country’s presidential guards accountable for committing sexual assault against women and girls.

Atiol Elmalik is a professional photojournalist, filmmaker and  communication consultant, political analyst who uses these mediums to tell stories about water diplomacy, environmental and climate issues, human rights concerns, and diversity and justice inclusivity in South Sudan and Africa, with Read moreover ten  years of experience Atiol.  has a degree  in  International Relation and Diplomatic Studies  also intermediate diploma in political science  and professional courses in conflict analysis and multimedia.  In addition to being the  founder CEO of the Heritage Consortium , he works as a freelancer with international media houses including the European Press Photo Agency in Frankfurt, Germany; ZaNenger News; Shutter Stock News; and Good Vibes Magazine. In addition, he has worked with Al Jazeera and National Geographic, and has participated in regional workshops related to photojournalism; and digital media to counter disinformation in the Netherlands RNTC media center  When COVID-19 hit South Sudan, Mr. Atiol’s company began producing reusable face masks, and collaborating with international institutions like the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the United Nations Children’s Fund.
Mr. Elmalik was inspired to become a photographer and filmmaker to share more broadly about identity, human rights, human trafficking, and misconceptions about his roots in South Sudan and the African Continent. He believes strongly in the power of photo and video to capture moments in time, and even stop time for the next generation to see. He sees that in the digital era, visual diplomacy will transform nations and change the way humans connect.

Tito Justin is a seasoned journalist and communications professional with over a decade of experience in media, project management, and advocacy, particularly focusing on conflict, humanitarian issues, and political developments in South Sudan. His reporting has shed light on the civil conflict, Read morethe ensuing humanitarian crisis, and the peace process, often emphasizing the hardships faced by civilians and the necessity of international aid and peace efforts. Tito's articles have covered significant stories, including the UNHCR's assistance to displaced families, the struggles of refugees seeking safety in Uganda, and the broader implications of political turmoil on regional stability.

In addition to his journalistic endeavors, Tito has a strong background in leading teams to enhance communications and project outcomes. He has developed and executed comprehensive media and advocacy plans, employing key methodologies to ensure successful project delivery. His leadership skills have been instrumental in managing teams that deliver high-impact results in the communications sector.

Before his current role at Save the Children International, Tito contributed to various local and international media organizations, such as Voice of America, Radio France International, Eye Radio, Bakhita Radio, and The Niles, producing content that reached millions worldwide. At Save the Children, his efforts in content generation have significantly boosted fundraising, helping to increase the organization's annual budget from $20 million in 2017-2019 to $40-$50 million from 2020 onwards. Tito's commitment to producing diverse communication materials, including reports, photos, and videos, continues to influence donor and public perceptions, while his reporting from Juba and other regions remains vital in highlighting the resilience of the South Sudanese people and the ongoing challenges they face.

Deng Machol is a journalist based in Juba, South Sudan.

Juol Madhal is a Juba based South Sudanese journalist. Having worked with a couple newspapers in Juba, He has vast experience in print media and audio production.

DENG MAKUER is a  multimedia production consultant and trainer.