Juba Youth Trained to Track Climate Change Using Satellite Data

(Juba) – A two-day training workshop organized by Caritas South Sudan, in partnership with Caritas Slovenia and CeoCodis Information Systems, has brought together youth and key stakeholders in Juba to learn how to use free satellite imagery tools. The goal of the training is to help participants gain practical skills in monitoring environmental issues such as drought, floods, and deforestation.

The workshop is part of a wider project co-financed by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia. It focuses on building the technical capacity of young people in South Sudan by teaching them how to collect and analyze satellite data using free tools such as Quantum Geographic Information Systems (QGIS).

Matijaz Ivacic, Managing Director of CeoCodis, said during the opening session that the project aims to support African youth with skills that will help them become more self-reliant and actively involved in addressing the climate crisis. “Africa has the most talented young people,” Ivacic said. “We want to help them grow and use these tools to fight climate change.”

The training covers data collection, mapping, analysis, and basic data management using satellite tools that are freely available to the public. These tools can be used to track environmental changes and improve disaster preparedness and response across the country.

Father Louis Romano, Deputy Secretary General of the Sudan and South Sudan Bishops’ Conference, encouraged the 33 participants from church institutions, government agencies, and dioceses to remain dedicated to the training. “Most plans fail due to a lack of commitment,” he said. “Let us work together, share experiences, and fulfill our mission to transform our country.”

Caritas South Sudan said that the workshop is part of a long-term effort to promote sustainable development and climate resilience by empowering local communities with technology and knowledge. The initiative aims to expand to other parts of the country as resources become available.