Our Trip to South Sudan

After a long two years, Executive Director Lynn Malooly and Operations Support Coordinator Gary Prok flew to South Sudan to visit the team in June.

We sat down with them to hear about their trip, what was on their agenda, and how the experience benefitted WFSS and impacted them individually.

After two days of traveling mishaps, the two landed in Juba, South Sudan. They then flew to Wau, where our WFSS compound is located, and were greeted warmly by the WFSS staff with South Sudanese necklaces, handshakes, and hugs.

With a packed agenda and limited time, they proceeded right into a tour of the compound, where they viewed firsthand the improvements and additions that had been made since their last visit in 2020.

During their time in South Sudan, Lynn and Gary were able to visit a water storage project in the village of Piantok funded by a generous WFSS donor. This donation funded water kiosks where water is piped from a storage tank about one kilometer away, and where community members can fill their jerry cans. The project didn’t end there; they were able to visit the school in Piantok where WFSS built a latrine for the students to use instead of having to walk long distances to relieve themselves. They then drove to the water storage site to meet the water committee and the village chief, and tour the small compound.

They were also able to visit Zogolona Primary School in Wau, where WFSS installed a well and built a latrine in 2018. They were greeted with a song from the school’s hygiene club, who sang about the importance of handwashing and their appreciation for the support they’ve received (enjoy the video and photos from the trip below). Witnessing in person the WASH projects made possible by our donors and staff in South Sudan was a full-circle moment for Lynn and Gary.

Not only were they able to visit project sites, both Lynn and Gary also got a lot of necessary face time with the South Sudan team. Lynn sat down with the women at our Operations Center to get their feedback and see what further support they may need. The women shared their belief that more women are needed in leadership roles, an idea that Lynn fully supports. She’s also proud to say that WFSS has more women on the team than ever. It’s empowering for these women to hold these roles and important for the culture of the organization, especially while operating in a country where women typically aren’t given leadership opportunities.

While Lynn talked with the women on staff, Gary was able to meet with the team and discuss the need for VLOM (Village-Level Operation and Maintenance) and how women can become leaders in VLOM. “This requires sustainable training and is an elusive goal, but one that I believe can be achieved,” says Gary. The importance that WFSS places on inclusivity and the intention for growth within the company only strengthens the team and the outcomes of working efficiently together. “I’m really impressed with the growth of our team in South Sudan,” says Lynn, who has played an integral part alongside the team in South Sudan to build a group of motivated and passionate community members.

WFSS is so grateful for our supporters and our fantastic team that makes conducting these life-changing clean water projects possible. Thank you for watering the seeds of change in South Sudan!