Refugee Resilience Project

In the face of the overwhelming crisis in South Sudan, where many are struggling to rebuild their lives amid displacement, RJ Africa is committed to empowering local communities through grassroots initiatives. We focus on transformative restorative justice work in 4 major refugee settlements in Uganda as well as Kajo-Keji, South Sudan.

Our approach centers on training of trainers and conflict coaching, enabling community members to become local trainers and facilitators, creating community ownership of solutions to conflict. By equipping individuals with these skills, we build a foundation for lasting peace that refugees can carry with them.

We are dedicated to enhancing restorative practices with a special focus on women and integrating these methods within schools to support young learners. Our goal is to build a resilient, self-sustaining community where local leadership drives meaningful, enduring change.

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South Sudan

Conflict to Hope: Building a Future for Refugees

History & Background

South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of civil war. However, the country quickly descended into internal conflict in 2013, driven by political and ethnic tensions, leading to widespread violence and displacement. Today, millions of South Sudanese remain refugees or internally displaced, though peace agreements and ongoing efforts are fostering hope for stability, reconciliation, and the return of displaced communities to their homes. The journey toward lasting peace is challenging but crucial for the nation’s future.

Our Pillars

Community Capacity & Sustainability

RJ Africa empowers communities with the skills and tools needed to address conflicts and foster positive relationships. By training local leaders as trainers and facilitators, and creating community spaces for conflict resolution, skill development, and community engagement, we create a foundation for sustainable peace.

    • RJ Africa is enhancing community capacity and sustainability by: 

      • Providing Restorative Justice Training and Coaching for Community Members

      • Training Staff in Advanced Restorative Justice Facilitation

      • Establishing Ongoing Training-of-Trainers (ToT) Cohorts

      • Establishing Community Peace Centers (CPC) and Community Conflict Response Teams (CCRT)

Strengthening Peacebuilding Across Schools, Institutions, and Organizations

RJ Africa works with schools, religious institutions, organizations, and businesses to bring restorative practices into spaces that shape daily life and relationships. We train educators, administrators, community representatives, and business leaders to integrate effective conflict resolution practices into work and educational environments.

    • RJ Africa strengthens peacebuilding across schools, institutions, and organizations through:  

      • Facilitating Comprehensive Restorative Practices Training to Educational Institutions 

      • Supporting Agencies’ and Organizations’ Peacebuilding Initiatives Through Training and Implementation Strategies

      • Helping Businesses and Organizations Resolve Internal Conflict and Increase Collaboration

Social Cohesion & Conflict Resolution

RJ Africa fosters unity by creating spaces where individuals and communities come together to bridge divides across diverse backgrounds and experiences, strengthening social cohesion and connectedness. We facilitate listening sessions, conflict resolution workshops, and community dialogues that promote open communication, understanding, and empathy among community members.

  • RJ Africa is working to foster social cohesion and conflict resolution by:

    • Engaging Community Members in Listening Sessions and Community Dialogues

    • Organizing Cross-Cultural and Community-Building Events

    • Facilitating Community Mediation, Restorative Justice Circles, and Conflict Coaching to Address Community Conflict and Harm

Engagement & Outreach for Positive Peace

RJ Africa aims to raise awareness of peace and conflict resolution efforts by participating in extensive outreach, modeling, and storytelling. Through traditional media, social media, community events, and coordinated collaboration with partners, we share strategies and success stories of conflict transformation, inspiring hope and pride within communities.

    • RJ Africa engages communities and promotes positive peace through:

      • Conducting Regular Radio Programs

      • Publishing Success Stories

      • Utilizing Outreach on Social Media Platforms

      • Promoting Collaboration with Key Stakeholders and Partner Organizations

      • Hosting Community Events

Training of Trainers

In RJ Africa’s Refugee Resilience Project, we use a Training of Trainers (ToT) model to ensure scalability, sustainability, and community ownership. By equipping local leaders with the skills and knowledge to train others, we create a ripple effect that reaches far beyond the initial participants. This approach empowers communities to take ownership of their peacebuilding efforts, fostering self-determination and resilience from within. The ToT model also ensures that the solutions are culturally relevant, as local trainers understand the unique dynamics and needs of their communities, allowing for long-term, sustainable change.

Muresuk Joseph

“We exist to build a culture of peace, tolerance, and coexistence among refugees and displaced communities
by empowering individuals, families, and institutions through advocacy, facilitation and training, in the best
and latest peacebuilding strategies.”

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Community Voices

“I learned an important lesson: instead of just focusing on someone's wrongdoing, we should try to understand the reasons behind their actions if we want to truly solve the problem. This has changed how I think about conflict and resolution. In our community, people who commit offenses are often ignored and treated as if they don't have needs or a voice. But now I understand that even those who cause harm, whom we now call responsible parties, should have the chance to share their side. They are still part of our community, with families and lives that affect us all. I am very grateful for the opportunity.”

Alice Bibiya, Pagirinya Refugee Settlement

“I gained a new understanding of power. I learned how to use it wisely—not just for myself, but to empower others. I am now more careful in how I use power, especially with my children. I realize that when power is used correctly, it can bring about positive change.

In our culture, women often lack power and are expected to remain silent. This imbalance has caused many problems in our families and communities. However, through this training, I've come to see that power can be shared and used for the benefit of others.”

Juan Jesca, Training Participant, Pagirinya Refugee Settlement

Meet the Founders

Muresuk Joseph
Director of RJ Africa

Muresuk is a South Sudanese refugee living in Uganda, he is a trained RJ facilitator and the director of RJ Africa. His hope for the future is to see a peaceful and prosperous Africa where everyone feels included. He believes that instead of being the largest producer of refugees in the world, Africa will one day produce peace to the world.

Mansuk is a South Sudanese refugee living in Uganda with his family. He is the Executive Director and Co-founder of Yenet Ministries.
In 2022, Milton was named a South Sudan Community Solutions Program Fellow by IREX and the U.S. Department of State. His vision is for all South Sudanese to live peacefully and resolve conflicts constructively, creating thriving communities in refugee settings.

Mansuk Milton
Founder and Exec. Director of Yenet

Jeffrey Weisberg
Founder and Exec. Director of RPCP

Jeffrey is the co-founder and Executive Director of River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding. He believes that by training and empowering both youth and adults to learn and practice vital communication skills, we not only create greater connection with others, but we can de-escalate conflict for safer and more productive outcomes.

Mansuk Milton, Founder and Executive Director of Yenet

“I hope to train young refugees and community leaders to become effective peacebuilders and take responsibility for transforming their communities into more cohesive and peaceful societies.”

Looking Forward

The progress we’ve already made has laid a strong foundation for future growth. In the near future,
we aim to:

  • Fully launch our digital presence and establish collaborative partnerships to expand outreach and engagement.

  • Implement a new cohort of ToTs, equipping them with the tools to train others and sustain RJ initiatives.

  • Establish a Community Peace Center and Community Conflict Response Team to provide on-the-ground conflict resolution support.

  • Expand RJ training sessions to reach more communities and institutions.

  • Host a Peace Summit in Kajo-Keji, bringing together key stakeholders to advance reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts.

By strengthening our organizational infrastructure, expanding community programs, and deepening collaborations, RJ Africa is positioned to make an even greater impact going forward. We remain committed to fostering peace, healing, and justice in refugee communities and beyond.

Support Our Work

When you donate to RJ Africa, you’re directly investing in the power of community-led peacebuilding. Your contribution will help fund restorative justice training for local leaders, support grassroots volunteers working in refugee settlements, and create spaces for dialogue, healing, and reconciliation.

From equipping schools with conflict resolution tools to empowering entire communities to resolve disputes peacefully, your support builds a brighter future rooted in dignity, restoration, and hope.

Thank you for being part of the change.