Announcing the first cohort of the Young Journalists Media Integrity Fellowship

Aliseo Aweye Teddy Onam is an aspiring journalist and media enthusiast with a strong interest in ethical journalism, media integrity, and responsible reporting. She is passionate about promoting truth, accuracy, and professionalism in the media, particularly within the South Sudan context. Aweye is eager to build her skills in fact-checking, media ethics, and combating misinformation. She is committed to continuous learning and using journalism as a tool for positive social impact.

Dhel Malith Chol — Digital Media Enthusiast

Dhel Malith Chol Malith is a communications and digital media professional based in Juba, South Sudan, with experience across government, civil society, and technology sectors. He has worked on content creation, media relations, digital campaigns, and public communication, supporting initiatives in youth development, digital rights, cybersecurity awareness, and internet governance. Dhel currently supports communication and media work with national institutions and youth-focused programs, and is passionate about ethical communication, media literacy, and strengthening access to credible public information in South Sudan.

Together, this diverse group represents broadcast, print, freelance journalism, and digital media — reflecting the fellowship’s inclusive approach to strengthening the South Sudanese information ecosystem.

The Young Journalists Media Integrity Fellowship is part of our Electoral Fact-checking Initiative South Sudan project through the Innovation Fund for Citizen Participation in Electoral Processes in Africa, created in response to growing challenges facing the media sector, including misinformation, disinformation, limited fact-checking capacity, and ethical pressures within both traditional and digital media. Through structured training, mentorship, and practical learning, the young journalists will be trained on election fact-checking, observation, monitoring and how to ensure access to quality and credible election information.

Over the course of the two-month fellowship, participants will engage in sessions on media ethics, fact-checking, digital safety, responsible online engagement, and countering disinformation, while also developing practical outputs that contribute to a more informed electorate and resilient public discourse.

Speaking on the announcement, the Project Manager of the fellowship, Jibi Moses Daniel, highlighted the importance of investing in young media practitioners at this critical moment:

This first cohort represents a step toward strengthening media integrity in South Sudan. These fellows were selected not only for their professional backgrounds but for their demonstrated commitment to ethical journalism and responsible storytelling. We are confident they will shape a more credible and trustworthy media environment,  said Jibi Moses Daniel.

The Young Journalists Media Integrity Fellowship is implemented by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan, with the support of AfricTivistes, within the framework of the AHEAD Africa and Digitalise Youth projects, led by the Digital Democracy Initiative. This collaboration brings together regional and continental expertise in digital rights, civic engagement, and media development, ensuring the fellowship is grounded in both local realities and broader African digital democracy efforts.

Through this partnership, the fellowship seeks not only to build individual capacity but also to contribute to a wider movement promoting democratic values, credible information, and youth leadership in digital spaces across Africa.

As the first cohort begins their fellowship journey, EFSS reaffirms its commitment to supporting young people as agents of positive change in South Sudan. The organisation believes that strong, ethical journalism promotes accountability, informed citizenship, and peaceful coexistence

The Young Journalists Media Integrity Fellowship is implemented by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan, with the support of AfricTivistes, within the framework of the AHEAD Africa and Digitalise Youth projects, led by the Digital Democracy Initiative. This collaboration brings together regional and continental expertise in digital rights, civic engagement, and media development, ensuring the fellowship is grounded in both local realities and broader African digital democracy efforts.

Through this partnership, the fellowship seeks not only to build individual capacity but also to contribute to a wider movement promoting democratic values, credible information, and youth leadership in digital spaces across Africa.

As the first cohort begins their fellowship journey, EFSS reaffirms its commitment to supporting young people as agents of positive change in South Sudan. The organisation believes that strong, ethical journalism promotes accountability, informed citizenship, and peaceful coexistence.

EFSS congratulates the selected fellows and looks forward to sharing their learning experiences, stories, and contributions throughout the fellowship period. The organisation also extends its appreciation to all applicants who expressed interest in the program and encourages young journalists and digital practitioners to stay engaged with future opportunities.

The launch of this first cohort marks an important milestone — one that signals hope for stronger media integrity and a more informed public sphere in South Sudan.