Road openings: a story in pictures
Members of the four teams share their favourite images as the journey unfolded…
After the two communities met, Mama Mary Akech of the Dinka community and a young man from the Murle community shared a heartfelt exchange that lasted nearly 30 minutes. It felt like a mother–son conversation; she spoke about how the actions of youth affect mothers across communities. I watched as he listened with deep attention.
Minagano Kape - Makol Cuei Team
Where youth leaders, Local Government officials, Chiefs and the partners work for the common purpose of roads opening.
Simon Duop - Gadiang Team
Our hopes were very high when we heard the sound of the second truck coming to pull out the truck that got stuck first. However, the second truck vehicle got stuck and our hopes went to almost zero. We were determined to pull it out, but we failed, and we found mixed nationalities sitting frustrated under a small tree. This situation has kept us united and supported every step. We thought this would make us pull out the first truck.
Gordon Ayen - Bichibich Team
Happiness came after a long journey, and at the end, the youths came to one common ground and took responsibility immediately after discussing; and ready to take action.
Nyadow Biel - Manyabol Team
People are in the shadow of nature’s beauty and vastness. And a gun can still be part of a peaceful scene. Context is everything. (And it’s just my favourite photo from the journey).
Rob Lancaster - Makol Cuei Team
Peace is like a road passing areas without asking the area it’s passing through. So we need peace for the future of our children.
Thamutho Korok - Manyabol Team
Regardless of our tough time pursuing peaceful coexisting among the communities of Jonglei and GPAA, we can still reflect important days in our lives with happiness, like Tula Minagano’s birthday.
Aleer Jacob - Makol Cuei Team
In a land where danger travels quietly through the grass, safety begins with height seeing far, early, and clearly.
David Vincent - Bichibich Team
The Bichibich–Gadiang road opening mission begins at Nganapangkuth village in Bichibich, led by armed youth leaders who have chosen to walk the path of peace toward their neighbours.
Gordon Ayen - Bichibich Team
Tired feet, dry throats, sacred memories. But the resolve for peace is alive.
Minagano Kape - Makol Cuei Team
Mother’s care even after the long walk for 3 hours. Lucy Baba joined youth leaders to cook for the team at Bichibich River side.
Gordon Ayen - Bichibich Team
This is the picture I have chosen. It reminds me of the unfiltered desire of our hosts to share the fruits of their land with us kawajas. I was served these berries with a generous, gleaming smile and wide eyes. For sharing in the trials of the road, they couldn’t stop thanking us and in the small moments of provision and celebration they couldn’t help but share with us.
Jonty Herman - Makol Cuei Team
For more on the road openings initiative:
And catch up below on the instagram stories from throughout the journey:

