At Shared Vision South Sudan, advocacy was one of our core priorities. We believed in it deeply. But year after year, our efforts yielded little impact. We spoke up on critical issues, health, nutrition, justice, but our methods were flawed.
“We Were About to Give Up on Advocacy — Until Right2Grow Changed Everything”
We were confrontational rather than constructive. Instead of engaging decision-makers, we alienated them.
“We were passionate, but not strategic,” says Saul Waiswas, National Coordinator. “And it cost us valuable opportunities.”
Eventually, discouragement set in. We began to question whether advocacy had any real value in South Sudan. Our team felt demoralized. We were on the verge of giving up.
Then came the Right2Grow project and everything changed.
Saul Waiswas, in a red coat, presents a position paper on the health sector budget to the Health and Population Committee in 2024. (Photo: CRC)
Unlike other programs, Right2Grow didn’t just offer theory. It gave us hands-on, practicaltools to build real advocacy power, Saul notes. We were trained on how to analyze government budgets, write and present position papers, and identify the right stakeholders. Most importantly, we learned how to collaborate.
“We didn’t just attend workshops we learned by doing,” Saul recalls. “That made all the difference.”
A turning point came when Shared Vision co-authored a joint position paper and presented it before the National Parliament. For the first time, our voices were not only heard they were respected.
“Standing in Parliament changed how I see advocacy,” Saul reflects. “It showed me what effective engagement really looks like.”
Since then, the transformation has been remarkable.
Shared Vision is no longer just another small CSO trying to be noticed. Today, we are recognized at both state and national levels. Our name has been mentioned in Parliament. We have formed relationships with powerful institutions from the line Ministries and the National Parliament.
We have also built strong alliances with fellow CSOs. Through collaboration, our voices have become louder, and our influence stronger.
One of our biggest milestones came during the 2024/2025 national budget cycle. More than 20 civil society organizations under the Right2Grow platform came together to submit a unified, evidence-based position paper addressing key issues such as nutrition, health, and WASH. This time, parliamentary committees listened. They asked questions. They engaged.
“It felt like the voice of the people was finally in the room,” Saul says.
Today, we view advocacy through a completely different lens. It’s no longer just about raising your voice it’s about raising it wisely. Successful advocacy demands careful planning, credible data, targeted messaging, respectful communication and unified effort.
Right2Grow didn’t just give us new tools it gave us renewed purpose. It restored our confidence and repositioned Shared Vision as a credible voice for community wellbeing.
“I now feel empowered, equipped, and motivated,” Saul says. “And Shared Vision is more prepared than ever to lead change.”
Thanks to Right2Grow, we didn’t give up we leveled up.
In 2024, Saul participated in budget monitoring and expenditure training and has since played an active role in national budget analysis. He led the presentation of a position paper on the health sector to the Health and Population Committee and also contributed to the development of CSOs’ alternative tax proposal for the 2025/26 Finance Bill, pending presentation in Parliament during the upcoming public hearing.