Youth Social Advocacy Team

Our Story

When we arrived in Uganda as refugees in 2014, we witnessed how refugee youth including ourselves became victims of the conflict and many forms of violence in South Sudan while escaping the crisis that started in 2013 fearing for our lives. During our Exchange Visit to Adjumani organized by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) under the UNHCR funded Safe from Start Project in 2015.

A football game ended prematurely in chaos after hateful sentiments were expressed, jeopardizing the peaceful nature of the game, which was aimed at promoting peace. This was fueled by the ongoing conflict back home, which has displaced millions of people and incited violence even among refugees seeking safety outside South Sudan.

We were deeply moved by this experience and have since devoted our time to bridging this social divide, fostering social cohesion both among refugees and between communities. We understood that peaceful coexistence, love, hope and recovery were vital, especially given the high levels of division. Communities need to have a strong voice to stand up for their needs.

The gap between NGOs and refugee youth in the communities has to be bridged in a conflict-sensitive manner, where youth are recognized as potential partners for peace.  This is what led us to found the Youth Social Advocacy Team.”—YSAT

In June 2016, our Vision Bearer, John Jal Dak founded Youth Social Advocacy Team and on 31st July 2017 registered it as a community-based Organisation under Arua District Reg. No. 503/360.  In Feb 2020, YSAT was incorporated as a company limited by Guarantee and in the same year YSAT was registered with NGO Bureau as a Regional NGO REGR152704213NB. YSAT is also registered in South Sudan with Relief and Rehabilitation Commission as a National NGO 2407