About ACT
Who We Are
A youth-led Community-Based Organization founded in 2018, working across Western Bahr el Ghazal State to build a more peaceful and self-reliant South Sudan.
Our Story
Built by Youth, for Youth
The Acting Community Team (ACT) was founded in June 2018 in Western Bahr el-Ghazal, South Sudan, and officially registered in September 2020 (Registration No. RRC/Reg/No: 66).
ACT was born out of a commitment to address the systemic challenges facing young people — including limited economic opportunity, social exclusion, and the impacts of conflict — by empowering them to become drivers of their own development.
We, the youth of Western Bahr el Ghazal State, South Sudan, are conscious of the challenges facing our communities — limited economic opportunities, social exclusion, conflict impacts, and underrepresentation in decision-making. We believe in the power of organized youth action to drive positive change and sustainable development.
Today, ACT operates with eight dedicated volunteer staff, a seven-member Board of Directors, and an active membership base of youth aged 15–35. Through five core program pillars, we reach communities across Wau and the broader Western Bahr el Ghazal State.
Mission
“To empower youth through leadership development, sustainable livelihoods, and community resilience, fostering inclusive growth and lasting peace.”
Vision
“A peaceful, self-reliant South Sudan where young people lead positive change in their communities.”
Core Values
The Principles That Guide Our Work
Youth-Centered Agency
We believe in the power and potential of young people. We listen, collaborate, and empower youth to lead their own development and shape their communities.
Integrity & Accountability
We act with transparency and honesty in all our work. We are accountable to the youth we serve, our partners, and the communities that trust us.
Resilience Through Innovation
We adapt to challenges with creativity and resourcefulness. We embrace local solutions and sustainable practices to build lasting livelihoods and peace.
Inclusive Community Partnership
We work hand-in-hand with communities, leaders, and stakeholders. We foster dialogue, inclusion, and collective action to ensure no one is left behind.
Courage to Lead Change
We encourage bold leadership and advocacy. We stand up for the rights and well-being of youth, women, and vulnerable groups, even when it is difficult.
Theory of Change
How We Create Lasting Impact
ACT's approach is grounded in a clear logic: addressing the root causes of youth marginalization through evidence-based, community-centered interventions produces lasting, scalable change.
The Challenge
Youth in Western Bahr el Ghazal face systemic barriers: limited economic opportunity, social exclusion, conflict-related disruption, and underrepresentation in decision-making processes.
Key Activities
- →Market-aligned vocational skills training
- →Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) facilitation
- →Community peace dialogues and mediation training
- →Awareness campaigns on GBV, girls' education, and substance abuse
- →Climate-smart agricultural training
- →Disaster risk assessment and early warning systems
Outcomes
- →Improved youth livelihoods and economic self-reliance
- →Reduced incidents of youth-related violence
- →Stronger community social cohesion and peaceful coexistence
- →Improved food security among participating farming households
- →Greater representation of youth and women in local decision-making
Our Vision of Impact
“A peaceful, self-reliant South Sudan where young people lead positive change in their communities.”
Governance
Transparent, Accountable, Democratic
ACT is governed by a General Assembly — the supreme governing body composed of all active members — and a seven-member Board of Directors elected by the General Assembly. The Board provides strategic oversight while the Executive Director leads day-to-day operations.
General Assembly
The supreme governing body of ACT, comprising all active members. It adopts and amends the Constitution, elects Board members, and approves strategic plans and financial statements.
Board of Directors
Seven elected members providing strategic direction and policy oversight. The Board approves annual work plans and budgets, hires and evaluates the Executive Director, and meets quarterly.
Executive Management
The Executive Director, appointed by the Board, manages day-to-day operations, leads staff, implements Board decisions, and represents ACT externally.