Sawa Shabab | Youth Together

Sawa Shabab (Youth Together) is a peacebuilding radio drama series for the youth of South Sudan.

Sawa Shabab is a bold new peacebuilding radio drama series for South Sudanese youth.

The drama series follows the daily lives of four young South Sudanese: Rose, Taban, Winnie and Richard, four very different characters facing common issues: tribalism, poverty, gender inequity, and insecurity but also issues that affect youth all over the world: school, work, friendships, family, love and future ambitions.

Over the course of this first season, we meet Rose, a girl who left her rural village with her mother in search of greater opportunities in town. She is determined to pursue her dreams of becoming an actress, despite the hardship of urban life and her mother's traditional values who wants to see Rose married off before she completes school.

We also follow the story of Winnie, recently returned from America, as she strives to be accepted back in her home country.

Taban, a student who sells eggs after school to support his family, has his own ambitions: to find his father, a profession, and love.

Then finally Richard, the son of the Police Commissioner, where we see the dangers, (and also dark humour) of a young, unqualified, untrained man being given responsibilities he is not capable nor deserving of.

Throughout the radio drama we learn how all four characters become peace builders in their communities. Listen out for Sawa Shabab on Catholic Radio Network, Radio Miraya and local stations across the country. You can keep track of the stories, get to know the cast and listen to the poetry, songs and raps from the series here on Facebook.

The drama is developed and produced in South Sudan by Free Voice, in partnership with the US Institute of Peace.