International Day for Universal Access to Information #iduai2024

We celebrate this day -IDUAI- under the theme: “Mainstreaming access to information, and participation in the public sector”

As a journalist I also want to celebrate my two years at @voaafrica today. On 28 September 2022 I committed to be reporting for the Voice of America radio here in Juba which airs on 93.6 FM by contributing to the South Sudan in Focus (SSIF) which airs from Monday to Friday at 6:30 PM C.A.T

Days like today reminds me of the struggle of how hard it is to complete a story just because access to information is limited in #southsudan

As a journalist it’s my sole responsibility to ensure that I verify information, I do facts check before passing it to the public, but living in an era of social media where everyone can just wake up post, write, do a live video full of mis/disinformation sometimes makes me feel like all we do is waist time, while I am busy verifying someone is busy misinforming.

However, we continue to live our purpose of bringing the voice of the voiceless communities to the forefront and we hope that the efforts of the sectors responsible for seeing better access of information in South Sudan is doubled by next year.

Summary:

1. Digital literacy is vital for many people in South Sudan
2. Access to information for general public is a human right
3. It’s our equal responsibility as South Sudanese to ensure we are able to use tools of communication to have a better future for the next generation and defy hate before passing on information.

Always remember to research on whatever you wish to know, there are so many resources available for you if you remember to use your pen, smart phone, laptop and computer plus internet, no one can limit you, and always remember Google is your friend so don’t abuse it.