Growing Up with a Nation: Children Demand a Say in South Sudan's Future on 15 Years of Independence

JUBA (July 8, 2026) – As South Sudan marks 15 years of independence on July 9, children growing up in the world's youngest nation are calling on its leaders to include them in decision-making amid one of the world's largest humanitarian crises.

Every Saturday, children in Juba interview senior leaders live on air in a national radio show, asking questions about education, conflict and the future of their country, where the UN warns parts of the country are at risk of a "full-scale famine." Save the Children launched the program on Eye Radio – the first independent radio broadcaster in South Sudan – to create a platform where children could put their concerns and ideas directly to those in power.

Naomi, 16, was just one year old when South Sudan became independent. Today, she is a child parliamentarian with Save the Children, advocating for children’s rights in her country. She explains that being a child in the world's youngest recognized nation is like growing up with the country:

"We're learning together. Some days there’s progress like seeing new schools, boreholes. Other days there are challenges like floods or conflict. But there’s always this feeling that we're building something together.

"The leaders of South Sudan need to listen to young people and include us in decisions whether the decisions are hard or simple because every decision being made now is something that will affect our future tomorrow whether negatively or positively. We need to be part of your decisions; show us the budget, show us the results."

Through the radio program, Naomi and her fellow child parliamentarians have already interviewed officials from the Ministry of Labor and the Director General of the National Police. In the coming weeks, they are scheduled to interview the Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), the Minister of Education, the Minister of Health, and other key international partners, including the EU Embassy in South Sudan, among others on Eye Radio, one of the only radio stations that broadcasts nationwide.

Asked whether Naomi is optimistic about the future of the country as her generation will be the next leaders of the country, she said:

"Yes, but it’s a 'working' optimism. I’m optimistic because I see young people passionately advocating for a better future. The problems are real, but so is our energy. This country is our future. If we don't speak now, decisions will be made without us. Radio lets our voices travel farther than Juba. Leaders need to hear what kids face daily and what we have to say."

Briana, 13, born in the year after independence, is also among the children putting questions directly to leaders on the radio.

"I think the leaders in South Sudan should promote education for every child, whether a girl or a boy, because we are the country's future. I want to be a leader, and I promise to be a better leader one day. I will always talk to the people facing the problem, especially children, to better solve their problems.

"Thanks to Save the Children and Eye Radio, I can now question my leaders in front of thousands of people... to tell them the dangers and disasters that are happening in the country and inform people about what is happening in South Sudan, so that it can be looked at seriously, especially my brothers and sisters in other States in conflict."

Chris Nyamandi, Country Director for Save the Children in South Sudan, said:  

"As South Sudan marks 15 years of independence, it is vital that children are recognized as vital leaders with a right to shape the country not only in the future but today. Every decision made now, from education and climate resilience to peace, will affect their lives for decades to come, so their voices must be heard and their rights placed at the center of decision-making.

"This first generation to grow up alongside the world's youngest nation has lived through multiple conflicts, displacements and climate shocks, yet they continue to speak with hope, determination and a clear vision for their country's future. Children are asking leaders the questions that matter most to them and showing why they deserve a meaningful seat at the table."

Save the Children calls on all leaders and decision-makers in South Sudan to listen to children and prioritize their rights.  

Save the Children has worked in South Sudan since 1991, providing children with access to education, child protection, healthcare, nutrition, and water, sanitation and hygiene services, and supporting families with food security and livelihoods assistance.

###