CIRDA and Tearfund Celebrate the Graduation of Second Generation CCT Facilitators in Aweil East

Date: 17th December 2025

Location: Panapuoth, Wanyjok – Aweil East County

On December 16, 2025, the premises of St. Paul’s Cathedral in Panapuoth came alive with celebration as the Christian Initiative for Restoration and Development Agency (CIRDA) graduated the “Second Generation” of Church and Community Transformation (CCT) Facilitators.

Hosted by the Episcopal Diocese of Wanyjok, this ceremony marked a significant milestone in the journey toward sustainable, church-led community development in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.

Ten dedicated facilitators were honored for successfully completing a comprehensive training program funded by Tearfund. Spanning from June 2021 to 2023 in Akuem, this rigorous training equipped the graduates with practical skills to help communities address poverty, dependency, and social challenges by utilizing their own God-given resources.

Rt. Rev. Joseph Mamer Manot, the Executive Director of CIRDA and Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Wanyjok, officiated the ceremony. He praised the enduring partnership with Tearfund and highlighted the transformative power of the CCT approach.

“This graduation is not just the end of a training program, but the beginning of a mission,” said Bishop Joseph Mamer Manot. “These facilitators are being sent back to their communities as agents of transformation, hope, and reconciliation. Through CCT, our people are learning that they are not helpless, but capable of changing their own stories.”

Tearfund South Sudan was represented by Mr. Gama Clement, accompanied by Tearfund Aweil Program Manager, Mr. Joseph. Mr. Clement challenged the graduates to put their knowledge into action, thanking CIRDA for their excellence in implementation.

The event was graced by a wide array of distinguished guests who offered speeches of encouragement. Attendees included the Acting Commissioner of Aweil East County, the Area MP, and representatives from the State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Also in attendance were civil society leaders, the Women’s Union, NGOs, various church denominations, security forces, youth leaders, and local chiefs.

The speakers collectively applauded the CIRDA-Tearfund partnership for building resilient communities through farming and livelihood activities, urging the new facilitators to continue the fight against poverty.

This cohort builds upon a strong legacy. The First Generation of CCT facilitators (36 graduates) were trained in Malual Baai and Warawar between 2015 and 2021, graduating in 2021. Today’s event reaffirms the commitment of the Church and its partners to seeing communities in Aweil East thrive through unity and self-reliance.

ANNEXES

Photos