Across South Sudan, communities continue to face persistent challenges driven by displacement, weak local governance systems, and social fragmentation caused by prolonged intercommunal conflict. Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees, ex-combatants, and other vulnerable groups, particularly women and youth, are often excluded from decision-making processes and lack access to sustainable livelihood opportunities.

At the same time, unresolved trauma continues to deepen divisions and fuel tensions within communities. ARDF works to address these challenges by strengthening inclusive local governance, promoting social cohesion, and supporting the sustainable reintegration of conflict-affected populations.

Our approach is grounded in the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, ensuring that immediate needs are addressed while building long-term resilience and stability.

We promote inclusive and accountable local governance systems by:

• Training of Parents Support Groups and Youth Support Groups on peace building and conflict resolution.
• Tracing and re-union, facilitation of community reconciliation and peace meetings.
• Community and religious dialogues and consensus building on traditional justice systems.
• Interactive games and sports among children and youth, development and implementation of peace action plans, and dissemination of IEC materials to provide acceptance and reintegration.
• Empower youths' participation.
• Capacity development of youths and women in democratic leadership.
• Promote youths and women to take up leadership role in community development programs.
• Conduct youth forums.
• Conduct civic education to the youths.
• Increasing airing program and promote youths to voice their concerns through radio talk show program.

We work to rebuild trust and strengthen relationships within communities by:

• Facilitating peace dialogues and reconciliation processes.
• Supporting community-led peace initiatives through small grants programs.
• Promoting community cohesion activities.
• Training and deploying Psychosocial Community Volunteers (PCVs).
• Delivering Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services and trauma awareness.

We support vulnerable populations, especially women, to rebuild their lives by:

• Providing seed grants and start-up kits to CRSV survivors and vulnerable women.
• Supporting women associated with armed groups (WAAFAG) using a survivor-centered approach.
• Delivering livelihood and business skills training.
• Strengthening economic independence and protection mechanisms.
• Offering ongoing psychosocial support and case management services.