Hands Across South Sudan

18/01/2026

CONGRATULATION MESSAGE!
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Date: 18th/January/2026.

On behalf of Hands Across South Sudan, it's great privilege and honor to congratulate Cde. Emmanuel Dut, The Interim Secretary General, on his new appointment as chairperson for National Forum's Committee for Youth Empowerment and Innovation.

Dear Cde. Cde. Emmanuel Dut, we knew that the day like this would come, For your diligence and selfless commitment in serving people.

It is Crystal clear that the National Forum under it new president, Peter Der Makuer, has been under serious supervision of you, so It's not a surprise to you see you as as chairperson for National Forum's Committee for Youth Empowerment and Innovation, You deserve it!

Hands Across South Sudan (HASS) wish you good lucks as you assume your office with full roles and duties.

Best Regards.

01/01/2026

MEET MR. CHIOK DHIANG TOT.

Mr. Chiok Dhiang Tot is ambitious young leader who serve in Hands Across South Sudan (HASS) as the Interim Sectetary for Information.

WHO IS MR. CHIOK DHIANG TOT?

Chiok Dhiang Tot is a results-oriented Finance, Entrepreneur, Business Dev’t expert, and Administration professional with over five years of experience supporting financial operations for national and international NGOs and donor-funded projects in South Sudan.

He holds a B.Sc. in Business Administration from the University of Juba and is a CPA K Level I candidate with ongoing professional development in financial reporting and data analysis.

He has worked with reputable organizations including Africa Development Aid (ADA), Gezira Young People Agribusiness Trust (GYPAT), Africa Physiotherapy Aid, and Global Aid for Relief and Development, serving as Finance Officer and Finance Assistant roles.

His experience includes managing finances for projects funded by UNDP, FCDO, GFFO, BMZ, AIC, CBM, UNICEF, USADF, and other development partners, with a strong focus on donor compliance, internal controls, financial reporting, and audit readiness.

Diang has attended extensive professional trainings and leadership programs that complement his technical expertise. These include the Acumen Fellowship (Nairobi), Certified Financial Reporting Specialist (Cambridge Academy of Professionals – UK), CPA Level I (ICPA-K), Advanced Microsoft Excel trainings at Vantage Africa and Cornerstone Information Technology, Computerized Accounting (QuickBooks), Financial Management under HACT (UNDP), Financial Compliance and Internal Audit, and Peacebuilding Institute (Rwanda).

He is also an alumnus of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI RLC East Africa – Nairobi), United People Global (UPG) Leadership Program (USA), YouLead Summit (Tanzania), and has participated in entrepreneurship and exchange programs supported by YALI and the U.S. Exchange Programs.

Professionally, Chiok demonstrates strong capacity in financial accounting and reporting, budgeting and variance analysis, payroll and statutory deductions (PIT, NSIF), cash and bank reconciliations, procurement support, and audit coordination. At Africa Development Aid, he played a key role in strengthening financial systems by leading the implementation of an Integrated Financial Management System (IFMIS) and operationalizing computerized accounting systems, significantly improving efficiency, transparency, and audit preparedness.

Chiok is proficient in QuickBooks, Tally, SAP, ERP systems, and Advanced Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables). He is known for his integrity, attention to detail, adaptability, and ability to work effectively in multicultural humanitarian environments, bringing a strong commitment to accountability, results, and continuous learning.

Prepared By.
Hands Across South Sudan (HASS)
Interim Sectary General.

21/12/2025

MEET Mr. JOSEPH KUOT ANAU (KUOT-MALUAL)

Mr. Joseph Kuot Anau Kuot (Kuot-Malual) is ambitious young leader who serve as the Interim Deputy Chairperson for Hands Across South Sudan (HASS).

Mr. Cde. Joseph Kuot Anau Kuot,

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resource Management, University of Juba.

2. Bachelor of Science in Public Administration, University of Juba.

3. Advanced Certificate in Senior Management and Executive Offfice, Vantage Africa School of Leadership, Nairobi, Kenya.

4. Currently pursuing a Certified Public Secretary, Nairobi, Kenya.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

1. Secretary for Governance and Board Affairs, National Communication Authority (NCA), Juba.

2. Secretary for Political Affairs and Organization. For Warrap State SPLM Youth League.

3. Former Chairman for School of Business and Management Science Students Association-2019.

4. Former Secretary General for Apuk Youth Association.

5. Assistant Lecturer, School of Business and Management, University of Juba.

Prepared By.
Hands Across South Sudan (HASS)
Interim Sectary General.

15/11/2025

2025 Applications now open!!

Apply Now for PYN Hands-on Skills Empowerment Free Training Program!

Pathfinders Youth Network (PYN), in partnership with UNDP, is offering free hands-on skills training to empower young people to gain practical skills and launch their careers!

Training Venue: Scenious Hub
Deadline to Apply: Tuesday 18th
Course duration: Four months

Available Courses:

Basic Computer Skills – Digital literacy, Microsoft Office, typing, internet use

Catering and Hospitality – Culinary arts, food service, hotel & restaurant management

Mechanics / Automotive Repair – Vehicle maintenance, basic mechanical skills

Tailoring and Fashion Design – Sewing, garment-making, fashion entrepreneurship

Carpentry & Woodworking – Furniture making, repairs, design skills

Electricity / Electronics – Basic wiring, home appliance repair, electrical safety

Plumbing & Construction Skills – Pipe fitting, building repairs, maintenance

Beauty & Hairdressing – Salon management, hair styling, skincare techniques

✅ What We Offer:

Break fast and lunch

Free hands-on training by qualified instructors

At the end of the training, participants will be awarded machines and tools in their respective fields

Participants’ Responsibilities:

Transport to and from the training venue

To Apply:
Send an email to [email protected] with the following information:

1. Full Name

2. Phone Number

3. Desired Course

Note: Selection is on a rolling basis, so apply early!

Empower yourself with skills that open doors to your future. Don’t miss this opportunity!

I would like young people to apply for the above free training courses 🙏

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29/07/2025

“They Fired Me for Being Pregnant — 20 Years Later, I Was the Guest Speaker at Their Company’s Anniversary”

PART ONE — THE LETTER OF TERMINATION

My name is Chinwendu Ofoma.
And this is the story of how I was erased… and then invited back as the voice they couldn't ignore.

I was 25.

Fresh out of NYSC.

Working as a secretary at Global Max Enterprises.

Hardworking, polite, punctual.

Everyone said I was “going places.”

Then I got pregnant.

Out of wedlock.

And everything changed.

PART TWO — THE SHAME FILE

I didn’t hide it.

I wore my bump with pride.

But in whispers, I heard:

> “How can she? She’s not even married.”
“Our brand doesn’t support moral scandals.”
“It’s bad for our image.”

Then one Monday morning…

An envelope sat on my desk.

Termination letter.

Reason: “Violation of internal moral code.”

They didn’t even let me pack my files.

PART THREE — THE WALK OF SHAME

I walked out of that building in silence.

The same building where I once stayed till 10 p.m. to submit reports.

The same building where I trained three other staff.

No one said a word.

Except the cleaner.

She hugged me and said:

> “Don’t let this destroy you, Aunty Chi.”

That sentence saved my mind.

Because at that moment?

I felt like garbage.

PART FOUR — THE SINGLE MOTHER WITH A VISION

I sold bread at night. Managed till i gave birth.

Tutored kids in the evening.

And by the time my daughter turned 5, I had saved enough to rent a small space.

That space became Mind Bridge Tutors.

A home lesson agency.

We started with 3 children.

Then 15.

Then schools began calling.

And soon, we were in 5 states.

PART FIVE — THE GIRL THEY ONCE CALLED A SCANDAL

My daughter, Adaugo, grew into a genius. Top of her class.

Loved computers.

She begged me to let her build a website for my business.

I agreed.

That one website attracted a European sponsor.

They gave us a grant to digitize education for out-of-school children.

We launched a nationwide campaign.

25/07/2025

FACTS ABOUT PERSONALITY

1. People will respect you based on how you respect yourself, talk to people and how you treat people around you with respect and good and positive energy.

2. No amount of bribery can make people love you if you're a bad person.

3. Good behavior attracts people to you, while bad behavior repels people.

4. Tell people your own story first. They will share theirs eventually. (The Art of Making Someone Confess).

5. Blind people are much sensitive.

6. If you want someone new to like you, then refer to people you’ve just met by their name. People love being referred to by their name and it will establish a sense of trust and friendship right away.

7. Be thankful for all the struggles you went through. They make you stronger, wiser and humble. Don't let it break you and let it make you.

8. Slow eaters generally like to be in control and know how to appreciate life. Fast eaters tend to be ambitious, goal-oriented, open to new experiences, and often impatient.

9. Before talking to a new person, a smile from you gains their positive approach towards you.

10. 70% of people pretend to be okay simply because they don't want to annoy others with their problems.

11. You don’t have to be good at all things to be rich, but you have to be good at some things in which no one can beat you.

12. People think that to be strong is to never feel pain . But in reality, the strongest people are the ones who feel it but get through it.

13. Apparently, it will only take up to 4 minutes to decide whether you like someone or not. As such, if you want to make a good impression on someone, you have only got around 4 minutes to do so.

05/06/2025

An old man meets a young man who asks:
“Do you remember me?”
And the old man says no. Then the young man tells him he was his student, And the teacher asks:
“What do you do, what do you do in life?”
The young man answers:
“Well, I became a teacher.”
“ah, how good, like me?” Asks the old man.
“Well, yes. In fact, I became a teacher because you inspired me to be like you.”
The old man, curious, asks the young man at what time he decided to become a teacher. And the young man tells him the following story:
“One day, a friend of mine, also a student, came in with a nice new watch, and I decided I wanted it.
I stole it, I took it out of his pocket.
Shortly after, my friend noticed the his watch was missing and immediately complained to our teacher, who was you.
Then you addressed the class saying, ‘This student’s watch was stolen during classes today. Whoever stole it, please return it.’
I didn’t give it back because I didn’t want to.
You closed the door and told us all to stand up and form a circle.
You were going to search our pockets one by one until the watch was found.
However, you told us to close our eyes, because you would only look for his watch if we all had our eyes closed.
We did as instructed.
You went from pocket to pocket, and when you went through my pocket, you found the watch and took it. You kept searching everyone’s pockets, and when you were done you said ‘open your eyes. We have the watch.’
You didn’t tell on me and you never mentioned the episode. You never said who stole the watch either. That day you saved my dignity forever. It was the most shameful day of my life.
But this is also the day I decided not to become a thief, a bad person, etc. You never said anything, nor did you even scold me or take me aside to give me a moral lesson.
I received your message clearly.
Thanks to you, I understood what a real educator needs to do.
Do you remember this episode, professor?
The old professor answered, ‘Yes, I remember the situation with the stolen watch, which I was looking for in everyone’s pocket. I didn’t remember you, because I also closed my eyes while looking.’
This is the essence of teaching:
If to correct you must humiliate; you don’t know how to teach “

05/06/2025

1. If you want to own a house, you start by buying a land
2. If you want to own an empire, you start by growing your business
3. If you want to be fit, you start by eating healthy
4. If you want to be wise, you start by reading books
5. If you want to travel the world, you start by saving money
6. If you want to be happy, you start by being grateful
7. If you want to be wealthy, you start by managing your finances
8. If you want to be a good leader, you start by leading yourself first
9. If you want to be a good parent, you start by being a good role model
10. If you want to be successful, you start by taking small steps
11. If you want to be confident, you start by believing in yourself
12. If you want to learn a new skill, you start by practicing daily
13. If you want to be creative, you start by trying new things
14. If you want to be respected, you start by respecting others
15. If you want to build strong relationships, you start by being trustworthy
16. If you want to achieve your goals, you start by setting them clearly
17. If you want to be organized, you start by decluttering your space
18. If you want to be free, you start by letting go of your fears
19. If you want to make a change, you start by changing yourself first

20. If you want to run a marathon, you start by walking daily
21. If you want to start a business, you start by identifying a need
22. If you want to help others, you start by helping yourself first
23. If you want to learn a language, you start by practicing every day
24. If you want to be productive, you start by managing your time wisely
25. If you want to gain knowledge, you start by asking questions
26. If you want to be healthy, you start by exercising regularly
27. If you want to be at peace, you start by letting go of grudges
28. If you want to be strong, you start by enduring challenges with faith
29. If you want to be kind, you start by being kind to yourself first
30. If you want to make an impact, you start by being authentic

Success doesn't happen overnight, and achieving anything significant requires consistent effort. Whether it's owning a home, starting a business, or gaining respect, the journey begins with a single step. Don't get discouraged by the enormity of the goal ahead. Focus on taking that first step, then the next, and before you know it, you'll be well on your way to realizing your dreams. The key is to start, no matter how small, and stay persistent. Keep believing, and you'll see progress.

25/05/2025

LESSONS FROM THIS IMAGE

The only bird that dares to attack an eagle is the raven. It will sit on the eagle’s back and peck at its neck. However, the eagle doesn’t respond or waste its time fighting. Instead, it opens its wings and begins to fly as high as possible. As it soars higher, the raven struggles to breathe and, eventually, falls due to lack of oxygen.

Key Leadership Lessons to hold:

1. Don’t waste your time and energy on things or people that don’t add value to your growth. Focus on your purpose, and let distractions fall away.

2. Focus on your calling. Like the eagle, stay focused on your journey and purpose, regardless of the distractions or negativity from others. Don’t let your energy be wasted on those who don’t align with your vision.

3. Control your responses. As a leader, you don’t need to react to every situation or every critic. Master your emotions and responses. Some battles are not worth engaging in. Choose wisely when to act, and when to remain calm and composed.

4. Distractions over destruction. Some enemies may not seek to destroy you outright. Their goal is to distract you from your purpose and peace. Recognize these distractions and keep your focus where it belongs.

5. Stay calm in crisis True leaders remain composed, even in the midst of turmoil or difficult circumstances. It’s during these times that your leadership is truly tested, and your ability to remain steady and clear-headed will inspire others.

6. Growth comes from discomfort. Don’t wait for the perfect, comfortable moment to focus on your goals. It is in the discomfort and challenges that you build resilience and capacity. Growth often requires stepping outside your comfort zone, so learn to thrive in discomfort and use it to fuel your development.

22/05/2025

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT!

DATE, 22,MAY,2025.

HANDS ACROSS SOUTH SUDAN (HASS) - JUBA.

Hands Across South Sudan is a voluntary network of South Sudanese youths-focused civil society organization, operating in South Sudan (Supporting potential, ambition, resilience, skills and knowledge) Igniting change through youths empowerment.

* MOTTO *
"Together, We Thrive"

* THE INTERIM COMMITTEE STRUCTURE *

1. Chulo Bol, The Chairman.
2. Joseph Kuot, The Deputy Chairman.
3. Emmanuel Dut, The General Secretary.
4. Nancy Opnona, The Finance Secretary.
5. Mr. James Chiok, The Information Secretary

RULES AND REGULATIONS

- Non should misuse the Organization's funds including the Chairman himself/herself.
- Non should violate the Organization's regulations.
- Non should spread tribalism, racism and discrimination against others.

NB:
Hands Across South Sudan Youths Organization is not a political Organization but it's a youths Organization that advocate for for Unity and peace among the Youths in the country, as a young patriotic South Sudanese who is willing for Unity and peace among the entire Youths in South Sudan feel free to join the organization and engage with your fellows youths on how to achieve the Organization's main principals.

Thanks,

Best Regards,

The Interim Committee,
Hands Across South Sudan.

17/05/2025

Grandmother in African Languages
Zulu - Gogo/ Ugogo
South Sudanese - Mama
Somali - Ayeeyo
Igbo - Nne nne
Kinyarwanda - Nyirakuru
Sesotho - Nkhono
Shona - Ambuya
Swahili - Bibi
Yoruba - Mama agba
Hausa - Kaka
Chichewa - agogo
Amharic - ሴት አያት Pronounced Āyatē
Xhosa - Umakhulu