In a display of unity and dedication to peace-building, the youth of Gurei and neighboring areas within Juba have collectively joined hands to engage in discussions about the role of youth in nation-building while sipping tea beneath the shade of the Gurei Peace Tree, according to Mr. Bush Buse, the team leader of the Gurei Peace Tree Club and Salaam Junub.
The TTT discussions took place during the inaugural launch of a new youth hub on March 23, 2024, an endeavor jointly accomplished by Salaam Junub, the Gurei Peace Tree Club, and USA for Africa.
At the core of this communal kettle is an endeavor far richer than the teas served—creating a nexus for young citizens, bridging various backgrounds in a concerted effort to weave a robust network. The youth hub incubates peacebuilders and innovators, equipping them with the skills and resources to drive socio-economic development and eradicate negative tribal sentiments plaguing the region.
The freshly inaugurated hub is more than a gathering spot; it’s an incubator for potential, providing versatile services essential for youth empowerment. In this vibrant social beehive, young individuals will engage in capacity-building workshops, conflict mediation, and essential dialogues. They will be propelled into discussions about health, education, and innovation while exploring facets of entrepreneurship and civic participation, all through the uniquely South Sudanese ritual of communal tea drinking.
The Take Tea Together movement thus transcends its primary function of fostering sociability and becomes a catalyst for change, creating a platform for young voices to echo their aspirations and challenges. It evolves into a hub where ideas are brewed, and local solutions to communal problems are conceived and brought to life.
South Sudan’s tea culture holds a dual legacy; as much as it knits the social fabric through discourse and debate over the nation’s vital subjects—economy, politics, culture—it also injects vitality into the economic veins of those serving it. Women, including widows, have found sustenance and economic independence in the tea ‘chai’ business, nurturing the community’s social and financial well-being. In Gurei, the message is clear: each tea cup holds more than a hot beverage; it embodies collaboration, engagement, and a collective stride towards a harmonious and thriving South Sudan.