28/07/2026
Appreciation message from the Mading Community Association Executive Committee.
On 25 July 2026, the Mading Aweil Community Association hosted a meaningful event that brought together its members, the South Sudanese and Sudanese communities, and members of the wider African community. The event was held under the theme, “Through peace, love, and unity, we break down every barrier that stands in our way,” and invited reflection on the question: How can we thrive despite the challenges we face?
Public Interest and Community Support
The event was organised in the public interest, reflecting the Mading Community Association’s commitment to bringing people and communities together and strengthening their sense of belonging within British society. Its purpose was not only to provide an opportunity for people to enjoy the delicious food prepared by Mading women leaders, but also to ensure that young newcomers did not have to face loneliness and isolation on their own.
Impact on Participants
Participants appreciated the positive impact the event had on their lives and expressed a desire to see more gatherings of this kind in the future. The community remains committed to doing its best to include isolated people and provide the support they need to overcome the different challenges they face.
Inclusive Participation Across the UK
This year, the Association made a determined effort to bring together people from different parts of the UK, including Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and various cities across England. For those who travelled from far away and could not afford hotel accommodation, the community provided practical support by renting several Airbnb properties. This support helped ensure that those in need could attend the annual event comfortably and feel fully included in the community gathering.
Cultural Celebration and Community Voices
Participants celebrated their heritage through traditional dances and songs that reminded them of where they came from. Community leaders, women, young people, and South Sudanese officials also contributed to the occasion, adding important voices to the shared celebration of peace, love, and unity. Our community would like to give a massive thanks to all participants, and specific thanks go to those who turned out and served during the event. We all want to thank those who participated in various traditional South Sudanese and music.
Appreciation for Supporters and Contributors
We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported the event, including those who contacted us during the event, those who could not attend but contributed financially, and those who offered valuable advice and encouragement. May God bless you all. We sincerely thank all members of our community for their dedication, hard work, and generous support. Your contributions were deeply valued and played an important role in making the event a success.
Special Thanks to the Executive Team
I would like to give special thanks to all the dedicated executive members, especially our financial team, including Rita Kuol and the other hardworking women leaders who supported both the community and my work throughout the process. I also thank our youth leader, Mangar Wol, for his excellent work throughout the year, and our General Secretary for his constant support and commitment. Words alone are not enough to recognise your contribution, so I ask God to bless you and grant you wisdom as you continue serving the community.
Unity, Commitment, and Shared Responsibility
The work completed in just a few days would not have been possible without the support of our members, youth, and women. Thank you so much, and let us continue to keep this spirit of unity, service, and commitment alive for as long as we live in this country. Let us stand together as one united community, committed to protecting the love, unity, and progress we have built over the past three years. We have invested so much in this shared mission, and we must continue to protect it from anything that may weaken our collective spirit.
Thanks to the Organising and Media Teams
I would like to thank the entire organising committee for their outstanding work, especially Mangar Wol and his team, including Guot Young, Flabuo Atak, Lino Wol, Kuach Mayar, Deng Sugar (also known as Deng Garang), Deng Jor, and Anyuon Deng Kuol Anyuon. Your hard work was seen and appreciated not only by me, but also by people overseas who witnessed your dedication and service.
Our thanks also go to the media team and MCs, including Kur Athian, Jackson Anei, Mr Dot Awiir, and Ngong Diing, for their excellent work. We could not have achieved this success without you, and the Mading Aweil Community is proud of you all.
Thanks to Visiting Communities and the Services Team
The Mading Community warmly thanks everyone who joined us from other communities, including our brothers and sisters from the Nuer, Ngok, Nuba, Agaar Mathong, Toj, Jonglei, and especially Twic East communities. Your presence, love, support, and participation added great beauty to the event, and we look forward to welcoming you again next year.
The services team
Massive thanks also go to the services team, led by our amazing women leader. We especially thank Abuk Deng Deng Makuac, Abuk Deng Deng Maril, Mama Amuk Mawien Diink, Nyapat Thomas, Saida Garang, Arek Kiir, Maan Diing, Lilijania Adut and her beautiful friend tingdit Madng Aweil, who came this far to support us and Nyanjok Machol Atak and her friends in Oldham for their exceptional service, food preparation, and commitment. You have shown that women are the backbone of our community, and your contribution helped make this event a success.
Thank you all and may God bless
The Mading Aweil Executive
Chairperson Dut Anyuan
