By Benjamin Ajuong Machiek
South Sudan is a young country with a long history of struggles.
Since gaining independence in 2011, the people of this nation have faced many challenges ranging from war, hunger, and poverty. But despite these hardships, the people have become resilient, with strong voices, deep wisdom, and captivating stories that must be heard.
One of the most important ways to help the people of South Sudan is to listen to them. Listening may sound simple, but it is powerful. It brings healing, peace, understanding, and hope.
Why listening is important
Many times, leaders, aid workers, and even neighbors talk without first listening. They think they already know what is best for others. But each person’s story is different. Each community has its own needs. Without listening, even good plans can fail.
When we listen, we show respect. We say, “Your voice matters.” This is especially important in South Sudan, where many people feel forgotten or ignored. Listening gives people dignity. It helps them believe they are part of the solution, not just victims of a problem.
Listening brings healing
South Sudan has been through many years of conflict. War has left many people with painful memories. Some have lost family members. Others have lost their homes or villages. When people talk about their pain and others truly listen, healing can begin.
Sometimes people do not want money or gifts. They just want someone to sit with them and hear their story. A mother who lost her son, a young man who fled violence, an elder who saw his village burned—these people carry heavy burdens. By listening, we share that burden. We help them feel less alone.
Listening builds peace
Peace is not just the absence of war. Peace means people live together in harmony. It means they trust each other and solve problems without violence. Listening is a key part of peace.
In South Sudan, different tribes and communities have often been in conflict. But when people from different groups sit together and listen to each other, they begin to understand. They learn that others also suffer, hope, and dream. Listening builds bridges. It helps people forgive and start new relationships.
Many peacebuilding programs in South Sudan now include “peace dialogues.” In these meetings, people share their stories and others listen. Slowly, peace grows from these simple acts of listening.
Listening improves development
South Sudan needs schools, hospitals, clean water, and jobs. Many organizations and governments want to help. But sometimes they build the wrong things in the wrong places. Why? Because they did not listen to the people first. A community may receive a new school, but if it is too far or lacks teachers, children cannot use it. A water project may be built, but if women were not asked about their needs, it may not help them.
By listening to the people, development projects can be more successful. People know their needs best. They also know how to care for what is built. When they are part of the planning, they take ownership. They protect and improve what is given.
Listening empowers women and youth
Women and young people make up most of South Sudan’s population, but their voices are often not heard. In meetings or communities, men usually speak, and women remain silent. Youth are told they are too young to decide.
But women are the ones who hold families and communities together. They farm, care for children, fetch water, and teach values. Youth are full of energy, ideas, and dreams for a better future.
When we listen to women and youth, we give them power. We say, “You matter. Your ideas can change the world.” And indeed, they can.
How to listen well
Listening well is more than just being quiet. It means paying attention. It means not interrupting. It means caring about what the other person is saying.
Here are a few ways to listen better:
Be present – Put away distractions and look at the person.
Ask questions – Show interest in their story.
Do not judge – Accept their feelings and thoughts.
Be patient – Give them time to speak fully.
Take action – When possible, act on what you hear.
South Sudan is a land of strong and hopeful people. They have suffered much, but they also have wisdom, strength, and dreams for the future. The power of listening is real. It can heal wounds, build peace, improve development, and give people hope. To truly help South Sudan, we must listen to its people. Let their voices guide decisions. Let their stories shape programs. Let their wisdom lead the way forward.
Listening is not weakness—it is strength. It does not cost money—but it brings great value. The people of South Sudan are speaking. Let us be ready to hear them.
“Speaking for peace, progress, and the people of South Sudan “
Thanks for reading, together we can change South Sudan