

South Sudanese Youth of Canada (SSYC)


Coming together as youth of the same community.
Background
Motivation
From the mid-80’s to early 2000s immigrants arrived in Canada from the then Sudan for various reasons including political instability. Since then, South Sudanese community leaders have been working together to connect with other South Sudanese immigrants to preserve their heritage, culture and support each other in successfully integrating into Canadian society. However, these initiatives have largely been directed towards South Sudanese adults and specific tribes within Canada. Little has been done to address the concerns of South Sudanese youth (SSY), who immigrated to Canada or who were born in Canada, and who also face issues involving integration into Canadian society and developing their identity as SSY but also Canadian youth. Due to these unaddressed concerns, youth from this community may have faced adversity in their academics, social engagement, and overall adjustment to Canadian society.
South Sudanese Youth of Canada
Mission Statement
The South Sudanese youth of Canada (SSYC) aims to contribute to the welfare of SSY across Canada. To achieve this, the SSYC aims to establish a diverse and strong base of youth leaders, across the country, to support and contribute to not only the South Sudanese community, but Canadian society at large. This base of leaders will be used to support the current and future generations of SSY within the South Sudanese-Canadian community by developing infrastructure and provide tools necessary for successful inte





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Objectives
SSYC Conference Impact Report
The objectives of the SSYC are three-fold. Firstly, the SSYC aims to connect SSY across the country and within individual cities or local communities. Secondly, the SSYC aims to influence the culture within the South Sudanese community and support holistic integration. Finally, the SSYC aims to influence the image of SSY within Canadian society
Structure
The general structure of SSYC is outlined in Figure 1. Briefly, the four major groups (community development, conference planning, communications/marketing, and sponsors) work together to counteract the effects of non-holistic integration by confronting the challenges identified during the SSYC 2023 conference. The primary objective of the sponsors subgroup is to generate funds for the organization. The communications and marketing subgroup promote excellence within the community and amongst the youth, as well as manage the groups various media platforms (Instagram: @ssyofcanada, Facebook: SSYC, Snapchat: @ssycofcanada).

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SSYC Conference Impact Report
The conference planning subgroup focuses on developing the annual conference, an event where all youth in participating cities will gather to evaluate community challenges, discuss progress, and both maintain and foster new connections and networks. With the collaboration of youth leaders across the country, the community development subgroup aims to develop two to three city-specific events during the year aimed at developing and maintaining networks (social events), providing learning opportunities (workshops) and inspiring community involvement (volunteerism).
Members of Planning Committee
The SSYC Conference organizing committee as of August 2023 is outlined in Table 1. Special acknowledgements are ascribed to the following individuals for their yearly contributions.
Members
Residence
Aluk Geu Regina, SK
Anok Tiordit Calgary, AB
Ariet Okuori Calgary, AB
Atong Makuei Calgary, AB
Bhan Gatkuoth Calgary, AB
Dedi Nyjong Calgary, AB
Dulu Modi Edmonton, AB
Dure Kenyi Calgary, AB
Elias Mawa Calgary, AB
Kiden Yokwe Calgary, AB
Lim Thokbuom Calgary, AB
Nyakier Buong Calgary, AB
Nyarout Jock Calgary, AB
Olga Loggale Edmonton, AB
Susan Abdulaziz Edmonton, AB
Vibya Natana Regina, SK
Winjoy Nyariaki Tiop Calgary, AB
Yar Anyieth Edmonton, AB
Yawa Idi Edmonton, AB
Yayo Vuni Toronto, ON
Table 1:
South Sudanese Youth
Of Canada, Members
List As Of August 2023.
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South Sudanese Youth of Canada Conference 2023
SSYC Conference Impact Report
Objectives
Through the theme of mental health, the objectives of the SSYC conference (Calgary, AB, August 18-20, 2023) were three-fold. Firstly, the conference aimed to gather SSY across the country and support them to celebrate their heritage. As well as enable SSY to strengthen past relationships and develop new connections. Secondly, the conference aimed to continue the conversation, started in 2018, to identify challenges facing SSY and collaborate to brainstorm sustainable solutions. Finally, the conference offered a platform for SSY to discuss each city’s community development initiatives for the previous year and plan for the upcoming year. Through the three-day conference, the SSYC conference was successful in achieving these aims.
Location
The three-day conference occurred in Calgary, Alberta. The University of Calgary was selected to host the conference due to the involvement of organizing committee members on campus. Table 2 outlines the location and activity of each day while Figure 2 expands on the Attendees Count in Table 2.



Accommodations were offered to the attendees arriving out of Calgary. Attendees from out of the city could request residence with SSYC-organized group accommodations with other conference attendees or request billeting with local SSYC members/elders within the South Sudanese community. However, the majority of attendees coming out of city preferred to locate their own residence through Airbnb, hotels, or staying with relatives
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Conference Weekend
SSYC Conference Impact Report
Having embraced the successes of the past year, the three-day event, titled "From Our Roots to Our Leaves: Trauma, Trials, and Triumph," built on the foundation set by its predecessor. Inspired by the theme of RISE, with subthemes Reflect, Excel, and Unite, the conference sought to address and illuminate the complex social, political, and economic challenges that were currently facing South Sudanese youth in Canada.
In continuation of the successful format from the previous year, each day of the event had a specific objective. The basketball tournament and farewell barbecue, designed to foster connections and strengthen relationships among attendees, played a crucial role in setting the stage for open discussions during the conference day. Building strong connections remained pivotal not only for the inspiring and encouraging sessions focused on Reflect, Excel, and Unite but also for the effective execution of solutions post-event.
The conference day, held from August 18 -20, 2023, in Calgary, Alberta, placed a spotlight on the theme of "From Our Roots to Our Leaves: Trauma, Trials, and Triumph." Here, South Sudanese youth from across Canada engaged with peers, mental health practitioners, and community leaders. The agenda encompassed a diverse range of events and workshops, including thought-provoking panel discussions, insightful presentations, and community-building activities such as the basketball tournament.
Recognizing the challenges faced by the South Sudanese youth in Canada, from the global pandemic to community loss and grieving, as well as the opioid epidemic, the event aimed to provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration. Through this comprehensive approach, the conference aspired to not only inspire and encourage the youth but also identify challenges, brainstorm potential solutions, and evaluate community development initiatives. Together, participants wove a narrative of resilience, growth, and unity, symbolized by the overarching theme of "From Our Roots to Our Leaves: Trauma, Trials, and Triumph."
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Basketball Tournament Time Activity
Basketball Tournament
Table 3: Basketball Tournament Itinerary

S S Y C
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Conference Day
The itinerary for the conference day is outlined in Table 5.
SSYC Conference Impact Report
9:00 – 9:55 am Check in, Registration, Breakfast
10:00 – 10:20 am Opening Remarks
10:45 – 10:55 am Musical Performance
10:55 – 11:40 am Panel Discussion: The Impact of Intergenerational Trauma
11:40 – 12:05 pm
Olga Loggale & Lim Thokbuom
Shreddy King Aluk Geu
Panel Discussion: Elders Reflections Nyarout Jock
12:05 – 1:20 pm Lunch
Dance Performance: Bari Youth Traditional Dance Troupe
1:20 – 1:40 pm
Informational Booth Walkthroughs
2:35 - 2:45 pm Keynote Speaker Dr Mawien Akot
2:45 - 2:55 pm
2:55 - 3:30 pm
3:35 - 3:45 pm
3:45 - 3:50 pm
4:05 - 5:25 pm
Musical Performance Skyologist
Panel Discussion: The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health Ayen Mabor
Dance Performance: Nuer Youth Traditional Dance Troupe
Workshop Introductions
Workshop Sessions
A: Mindfulness and self-care
B: Coping with Trauma
C: Building Resilience
5:40 - 5:50 pm Keynote Speaker
5:50 – 6:00pm Closing Remarks, Departure
Senos Timon
Rev. John Mayer Dut
Dr Akier Kuol
Dr. Akier Kuol
Table 5: Conference Day Itinerary
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Invitees
SSYC Conference Impact Report
Each speaker addressed different topics that included: intergenerational trauma, substance use and opioid epidemics, financial wellness, and personal growth.

SSYC Conference Impact Report Fall 2023
Welcome Address
Dr. Inyani Keri
A co-founder of SSYC, Dr. Inyani Keri has been a driving force behind every conference, pouring heart and soul into the meticulous planning and execution that have made each gathering a resounding success. Back then, he was a determined student, having completed his Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and now, his relentless drive has propelled him to pursue a Master's in Mechanical Engineering while simultaneously embarking on the remarkable journey of medical school.

Today, Dr. Keri stands on the precipice of an awe-inspiring achievement – becoming one of the very first, if not the very first, neurosurgeons of South Sudanese heritage (a testament to his unwavering commitment to breaking barriers and defying limits).
Panel: The Impact of Intergenerational Trauma
How does the trauma experienced by South Sudanese elders impact the mental health of youth in Canada, and what can be done to address this issue?
Moderator: Aluk Geu
Speakers: Dr. Akier Kuol, Ayen Mabor, Dr. Christine Gibson, Dr. Mawien Akot

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Dr. Akier Kuol
SSYC Conference Impact Report
Dr. Akier Kuol is a leader in Calgary with a strong community development focus on South Sudanese individuals. Dr Akier Kuol is the founder of the “Best Help Foundation” which is a non-profit organization aimed at supporting marginalized communities through counselling services and the distribution of hampers. She is the author of “69 Days in the NICU” which is a best-selling book for parents with premature children. Not only is she highly decorated with a diploma in theology, a degree in youth and family counselling coupled with a PhD in philosophy she dedicates her time to empowering her children, community members and young offenders in Calgary.
Ayen Mabor
With over 20 years of counselling experience, Ayen Mabor is a registered Social Worker holding a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Her identity as a Black, South Sudanese refugee lends her a unique perspective which enriches her work and views of individuals and systems. Throughout her career, Ayen has made i m p a c t f u l c o n t r i b u t i o n s i n d i v e r

e organizational settings, offering support to military families, assisting patients dealing with life-changing illnesses in acute care, and addressing a spectrum of issues, including marital problems, separation, divorce, court preparation, substance use, anxiety, depression, trauma, oppression, and grief. Ayen's extensive experience underscores her commitment to helping individuals navigate challenges and enhance their overall well-being.
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Dr. Christine Gibson
SSYC Conference Impact Report
Dr. Christine Gibson is a family physician, trauma therapist, and author of The Modern Trauma Toolkit (with Hachette Go). She’s also on social media as TikTokTraumaDoc with >130k followers on TikTok. She has a masters in medical education, has almost completed a doctorate, and has been involved in academics and education - creating Calgary’s fellowship in Health Equity. She runs an international non-profit Global Familymed Foundation and a new company to train professionals how to manage workplace trauma - Safer Spaces Training (and a non-profit The Belong Foundation).
Dr. Mawien Akot


Dr. Mawien Akot practices as a family physician in Edmonton, Alberta with previous experience in various Canadian cities and within South Sudan. Dr. Akot obtained a license from Medical Council of Canada and professional membership with and not limited to: Canadian Medical Association, Saskatchewan Medical Association, College of Family Physicians of Canada, American Society of Emergency Medicine, Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT), Saskatchewan Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (SAMRT) and Alexandria Medical Syndicate. He was also the recipient of the Family Medicine Award in 2008 for his research on Vitamin D levels in Elderly People in Regina, SK.
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SSYC Conference Impact Report


Amos Khor
Amos Khor Top, a dedicated community leader in Calgary, Alberta, currently serves as the President of the South Sudanese Community Association, leading initiatives to enhance members' lives. With bachelor's degrees in Law and Society and Behavioral Science, his educational background uniquely informs his approach to community leadership.
Additionally, he holds key roles as President and Executive Director at the Komkan Africana Institute, focusing on multicultural education,
employment skills development, and innovative research to bridge the cultural gap for newcomers in the Canadian workforce. Amos champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowering newcomer communities and promoting active citizenship. His leadership at Komkan includes providing essential employment and skills development training opportunities throughout Alberta, shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for newcomers in the region.
Onesimo Elia
Mr. Onesimo Elia lives in Calgary, Alberta and serves as the current Presidentof the Equatorian South Sudanese Community Association of Calgary (ESSCA-Calgary), an organization focused on providing a space for cultivating culture, and inspiring unity and growth. Within the South Sudanese Community, Mr. Elia has served as an ESSCA humanitarian committee member and host of the ESSCA Canada Conference (2021 & 2022), in addition to being the former finance secretary of the South Sudanese Community.



He earned a degree in geology (honours) from the University of Juba and went on to complete diplomas in Environmental Engineering Applications from Conestoga College, Ontario and Oil & Gas Administration from CDI College in Calgary, Alberta.
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Bhan Gatkouth
Bhan is a communications student with a background in international relations, communications and public relations strategy development. Currently, Bhan is completing her masters degree in public policy and public administration where her research focuses on environmental justice issues in Canada. As a passionate communicator with experiences at international and local scales, she carries out her work with a deep reverence for justice, sovereignty, and community development
Susan Abdulaziz
Susan is from the Kakwa and Pojulo tribes. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Social Work with a focus on immigration and marginalized communities. Susan is passionate about volunteering within her community, most recently with the Edmonton Food Bank where she spent her time translating for Arabic-speaking refugees. She also enjoys working with youth and has been for over eight years. She hopes SSYC will continue to create space for conversations that will encourage the support, community and healing many youths are seeking.



Performers



Kija Lado
Kija Lado is a Canadian-born South Sudanese musician. After relocating to South Sudan 2011 and moving back to Canada in 2014, she had a revelation of the beauty of music and art, through the worship at her Sudanese Community Church in Edmonton. Since then she has been a growing and aspiring artist, an active member of her communities, and as she likes to put it a ‘citizen of the world’. Her artistic rendition of the South Sudanese and Canadian national anthems encapsulated the beauty of diversity within the shared experience of being South Sudanese-Canadian.



Shredreck Samuel AKA ‘Shreddy King’
Shreddy King was born in Sudan and immigrated to Canada with his family as a result of the ongoing civil war. As a hip-hop artist and rapper, he uses music to uplift others and make sense of his experiences from everything to his upbringing, navigating anti-Black racism in Canada, and maintaining a positive mindset to achieve goals as an ambitious person. Shreddy is currently based in Saskatchewan and has also lived in Calgary, Alberta where he also spent time cultivating his craft as a performer.
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Performers
SSYC Conference Impact Report




Toby AKA ‘Sykologist’
Sykologist is South Sudanese born Canadian Hip-Hop artist. His journey began as he wrote songs and poems about his adverse experience in Egypt (as a refugee). The passion for self expression eventually transformed into rapping. A few years into his artistic practice he developed a reputation of a ‘Youth Advocate’ after producing songs that highlighted challenges faced by South Sudanese youth in Calgary. After releasing his debut album, Sykologist was featured on local television, having overseas performances and opening stage for top industry artists, as well as performing at various festivals
across Alberta. After releasing his 2nd album ‘Reflection’, Sykologist was presented with many opportunities to perform at various University of Lethbridge events, as well getting featured on community radios across Canada and South Sudan.



Bari Traditional Dance Group
Dancers: Tanta Lado, Kiden Yokwe, Helen Matiya
Songs Performed:
Pondita i budu (St Joseph's Parish Bari Choir) & Lonung Lio (General Polino)
Testimonial from Bari Traditional Dance Group:
“Although our performance was constructed by females, typically the dance is performed with males and they both perform different roles in the dance. A fun fact about Bari dance is that the
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SSYC Conference Impact Report
signature dance is the high jumps, which have slightly different variations between men and women. The jumps for men is called mminija (in Bari language) & for women it is called laguna (in Bari language).
We selected two different song choices to show the contrast in Bari music, one being gospel music with traditional gospel instruments and the other having more of an upbeat tempo.”
Dancer Reflections:
“Learning the dance has been a unique experience as we were taught by two instructors who shared their own styles and forms which showed the diversity in the traditional dance.
In addition to the live teachers, we were also exposed to different forms of Bari dance via YouTube. This was interesting as we saw the context in which this dance is typically performed. The environment being in South Sudan tied the cultural element as some us were not fortunate to witness this traditional dance be

performed in its most organic environment.”
- Kiden Yokwe“It was a great learning experience! This dance is a part of my identity, and it was a privilege to get the chance to learn it. Through this experience, I have learned that the Bari traditional dance is a lot simpler than I expected. I hope both performances helped others learn more about the tribes of South Sudan.”
- Tanta Lado
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Nuer Traditional Dance Group
Ÿ Chol Kuany
Ÿ Lulu Joseph
Ÿ Nyakuey Jock
Ÿ Nyaweng Jock
Ÿ Titchieng Yual
Ÿ Koichloch Joseph
Ÿ Mar Yual
Ÿ Nyamad Biel
Ÿ Sunday Chiek
Ÿ Wek Bol
SSYC Conference Impact Report
Ÿ Lokyang Jock
Ÿ Miri Goyni
Ÿ Nyarout Peter
Ÿ Tathloch Banak Tut

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Workshops
OVERVIEW
SSYC Conference Impact Report
The second portion of the conference consisted of discussion-based workshops. Following the 2018 conference, organizers and attendees cited the workshop portion of the conference as being integral to SSYC activities. It was within the workshops of the prior year that the need for ongoing community development initiatives was initially stressed. This year, youth attended workshops which aimed to discover what it means to ‘rise’ in the South Sudanese-Canadian context. The workshop titles looked at what conference organizers determined to be three key elements to the process of rising. The workshop titles were: ‘Reflect’, ‘Excel’, and ‘Unite’. Each workshop offered a safe and open platform for discussion necessary for the identification of the key issues facing SSY across the country. The entire conference aimed to satisfy the ‘unite’ segment of sub-themes by bringing youth together to discuss critical issues to collaborate on solutions. The attendees were divided into six smaller groups before entering the workshops. Each workshop was led by a pair of members from the SSYC Organizing Committee, these members acted only as facilitators of conversation and supported the natural flow of discussion. In each workshop, the facilitators opened the dialogue and posed a series of questions for discussion. After the workshops, the attendees regrouped and shared their responses with all the youth in attendance.
COPING WITH TRAUMA: Mindfulness and Self Care
The Coping with Trauma workshop aimed to explore the topic of various traumas inflicted on youth in the South Sudanese community, this workshop shines a light on intergenerational trauma in the South Sudanese community.
The questions used to facilitate the COPING WITH TRAUMA discussion workshop were:
1. What does feeling safe mean to you and how can we create a safe environment for healing?
2. What are some misconceptions about trauma and how can we create a more compassionate understanding of it?
3. How do you recognize triggers and what steps can you take to manage them when they arise?
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Building Resilience
SSYC Conference Impact Report
The Building Resilience workshop discussed contemporary challenges faced by South Sudanese youth in Canada and how they play a role in mental health (e.g. opioid epidemic, economic inequality etc.). This workshop brings attention to external factors with internal impacts, giving youth tools to verbalize and recognize social, economic, and political issues impacting their health.
The questions used to facilitate the BUILDING RESILIENCE discussion workshop were:
1. In what ways can creating and cultivating a resilient mindset positively impact various areas of your lives?
2. How can acknowledging and accepting your emotions contribute to your overall resilience?
3. How can cognitive flexibility help with adapting to change and uncertainty more effectively?
Mindfulness and Self-care
The Mindfulness and Self Care workshop aims teach participants how to use mindfulness techniques to manage stress and improve their mental health with consideration of cross-cultural expectations.
The questions used to facilitate the MINDFULNESS AND SELF-CARE discussion workshop were:
1. What does mindfulness mean to you, and how do you see it benefiting you?
2. Reflecting on a hobby or activity that brings you joy, how can you engage in it more mindfully?
3. How can you integrate mindfulness into different parts of your life?
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Farewell Barbeque
The itinerary for the farewell barbeque is outlined in Table 6.
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The detailed actual expenditure of the SSYC 2023 conference is detailed in Table 7.
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SSYC Conference Impact Report
Note: Any remaining funds will be utilized for community development projects. The specific usage is detailed in the SSYC 2023-2024 Community Development Report (this document is available upon request).
Sponsorship
The SSYC would like to thank all the sponsors and supporters of the 2023 conference (Table 8, Figure 16). The event would not have been possible without your support. Through this event, you have empowered not only the members of the SSYC, but SSY and the South Sudanese community across the country and beyond. Words are unable to express our gratitude. Thank you!
Ideas Fund: $4,123
Africa Centre:
Previous funds:
CCIS Donation
Calgary Foundations:
Best Help Foundation








Marketing, Media and Promotion
Marketing and media were managed by SSYC communications and marketing working group , through the use of SSYC’s various media platforms (Instagram: ssyofcanada, Facebook: SSYC, Tiktok: ssyofcanada).
Posters
Figure 9 depicts posters used to promote the SSYC 2023 conference. Posters were used to convey information to participants, sponsors and other persons (i.e., guardians, elders, etc.) in a condensed manner. These posters were also posted on the various SSYC media platforms.


The SSYC Instagram account (@ssyofcanada) was used predominantly to reach out to the target audience (SSY), as many young people currently use this media platform (Figure 10). The Instagram page was used to provide information about the SSYC and the 2023 conference. Additionally, the social media platform was also used to promote SSY excellence across the country, highlighting the success of SSY in a variety of areas.

Similar to Instagram, Facebook was used to provide details about the SSYC, 2023 conference event and promote SSY excellence, countrywide. Unlike Instagram, the target audience not only included SSY but guardians, elders and other members of the older demographic who predominantly used Facebook as a media platform.

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TikTok
SSYC Conference Impact Report
Similar to Instagram, TikTok was used to provide videos and details about the SSYC, 2023 conference event and promote SSY excellence, country-wide. TikTok was able to target an audience that extended to SSy across Canada.

Special Acknowledgements
Together, we explored this year's theme, 'From Our Roots To Our Leaves,' where we discussed the impact of mental health on our community alongside our peers, mental health practitioners, and our elders. The return of the Conference after a three-year hiatus brought on by the pandemic, would not have been possible without our amazing community members made up of youth, elders, friends, and organizational partners.
This national conference requires the hands and collective contributions of many, and we’d like to give special mention to the following individual groups for their significant contributions to bringing our flagship initiative to life:
SSYC Conference 2023 Volunteers
Event Support (Calgary Youth): Ban Tut, Deng Awangli, Goner Jock, Linda Bakunda, Lokyang Jock, Mar Yual, Nyayany Jock, Nyayow Jock, Tharngoap Thokbuom
Figure 12: The figure displays the TikTok account for SSYC, which adequately showcased visuals and audio promoting the 2023 conference, SSY excellence/achievements, and information about the SSYC, promoting the 2023 conference and highlighting SSY excellence.Fall 2023
SSYC Conference Impact Report
Catering Team (Aunties & Youth from the South Sudanese Community of Calgary): Adol Makoi, Aluel Marial, Agner Angok, Auntie Aok, Elizabeth Maliet, Nyakim Gony, Nyarout Jock, Nyayany Jock, and Nyaweng Jock.
Photography by GK Productions & Joshua Rose
The South Sudanese Youth of Canada organization was created by and for youth who believed that when we come together, amazing things are possible. We look forward to continuing to prove that to be true from here, onwards and thank each of you sincerely for your commitment to working with us in uplifting the South Sudanese-Canadian community through your time and gifts.







South Sudanese Youth of Canada