South Sudan’s Catholic Radio Network Receives 2021 Pax Christi International Peace Award

By Editor in Uncategorized on December 10, 2021December 13, 2021

Ceremony held in Juba on International Human Rights Day

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Photos: Peter Louis

A ceremony honouring the Catholic Radio Network (CRN) of South Sudan and the Nuba Mountains as the laureate of the 2021 Pax Christi International Peace Award took place on 10 December at the Catholic University of South Sudan in Juba (South Sudan).

Established in 2006, the radio network connects community-based radio stations to share trustworthy news and promote civic engagement. It also provides valuable public education about the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and democratic processes, which are critical for the world’s newest country. It has a reach of upward of 7 million people across the region.

The CRN delivers programming that promotes reconciliation and the healing of trauma to the people of South Sudan. It provides an important platform for constructive dialogue, offers reliable information, and gives special attention to marginalised groups including women, children, and those who cannot read or write. A coordinated, grassroots public radio system is a vital tool for nourishing hope and peace in South Sudan as it effects change in homes and communities throughout the country.

Looking forward to the award ceremony, Mary Ajith, director of the CRN, said, “The award will encourage the staff to double their efforts in delivering more services to our people. We dedicate this award to the radio listeners, the well-wishers, donors, partners and all the supporters of CRN in South Sudan and globally.”

“We hope that the peace award will give well-earned recognition to the Catholic Radio Network,” remarked Greet Vanaerschot, secretary general of PCI, “and promote international support for peaceful and democratic nation building.”

Established in 1988, the Pax Christi International Peace Award honours individuals and organisations who make a stand for peace, justice and nonviolence in different parts of the world.

2021 Peace Award Ceremony

The 2021 ceremony was held on 10 December, International Human Rights Day, at the Catholic University of South Sudan (Juba campus). The award was accepted by Mary Ajith, director of the Catholic Radio Network of South Sudan and the Nuba Mountains. A speech was given by Sr Wamuyu Wachira, co-president of Pax Christi International. She also presented the award. The award was a copy of the Pax Christi International icon, depicting Christ as the source of reconciliation, the source of liberation and peace. It is an icon symbolising in itself the living connection between Eastern and Western traditions in expressing the peace of Christ. It was made in the monastery of St John in the Desert, near Jerusalem, was dedicated to the movement on 1 July 1999 in the holy city of Jerusalem.

Speech from Sr Wamuyu Wachira, Co-President, Pax Christi International

Speech from Mary Ajith, Director, Catholic Radio Network of South Sudan and the Nuba Mountains

To find out more about the Catholic Radio Network of South Sudan and the Nuba Mountains, please visit their website or follow them on Twitter.