Cholhok Manasseh participating in a group work to analysis the budget of Uganda during CSOs training on budget monitoring and expenditure tracking (photo: CRC)
In Gogrial East, South Sudan, the effects of climate change and chronic underinvestment in agriculture have left communities vulnerable to hunger, poverty, and instability. Frequent flooding has destroyed crops, while limited access to agricultural inputs and support services has made recovery difficult. For many families, the future has often looked uncertain.
Through the Right2Grow initiative, the Organization for Children’s Harmony (TOCH) is working to change that. TOCH is empowering communities to build food security, strengthen livelihoods, and actively participate in decision-making processes. Its holistic approach addresses both the economic and governance challenges faced by rural populations laying the foundation for sustainable, community-led development.
TOCH’s Key Interventions
To tackle food insecurity and promote accountability, TOCH has rolled out a series of targeted interventions such as distribution of seeds to boost agricultural productivity, training of farmers on climate-resilient agriculture and modern farming techniques, community-GovernmentDialogues on key local issues such as food security, health, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and has integrated budget advocacy to educate citizens on how to understand and engage with public budget processes, enabling them to monitor spending and advocate for critical services.
Overcoming challenges on the ground
Despite notable successes, TOCH has encountered ongoing challenges. Many community members expect financial incentives to attend trainings, which has occasionally affected participation. Low turnout at community dialogues and limited resources have also constrained outreach.
Nonetheless, TOCH continues to adapt refining its strategies and deepening community engagement. By building trust and aligning efforts with local needs, the organization is steadily expanding its impact.
Cholhok Manasseh’s Journey of Change
One of the most powerful stories to emerge from the Right2Grow program is that of Cholhok Manassah, a gender officer at TOCH. Before participating in the Budget Monitoring and Expenditure Tracking (BMET) training hosted by the Child Rights Civil Society Coalition in August 2024, Cholhok had no experience in advocacy or public finance.
The training transformed her understanding. She learned how to access and analyze government budget documents, track expenditures, and engage with public officials. Today, Cholhok is a vocal advocate for transparency, representing her community in discussions about resource allocation and public service delivery.
“The training opened my eyes to a new way of serving my community,” Cholhok reflects. “Now, I can confidently speak to authorities, ask questions, and help others understand how government funds should be used.”
She now calls for the expansion of Right2Grow project implementation to other regions so that more communities can gain the skills needed to shape their own futures.
TOCH’s work in Gogrial East is creating a blueprint for sustainable, community-driven development. By combining food security programming with civic empowerment, the organization is helping communities become more resilient, informed, and engaged.
As TOCH continues to grow its reach under the Right2Grow initiative, it remains committed to promoting accountability, improving livelihoods, and ensuring that every household has a voice in shaping the services and policies that affect their lives.