Tabann de Bol is a young South Sudanese engaged in and committed to the development and prosperity of his people and country. He is volunteering in collecting data and raising awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Volunteering is not always easy, but I do it because I am helping my people and the situation of South Sudan”. 

Coming from Warrap state in Bahr el Ghazal, north in South Sudan, he grew up in a community where cattle raids, revenge killings, gender-based violence, early marriage, and intercommunal conflicts have been going on for decades. Consequently, SDG16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions is of special importance and concern to Tabann.

“Participating and helping with the MYWorld2030 survey is my way of helping my community and South Sudan at large, by finding the real opinion of South Sudan and providing stakeholders with data.”

Tabann has over a few weeks conducted almost 200 MYWorld2030 surveys in Juba, South Sudan. MYWorld2030 is a global survey seeking to educate and mobilize people across the world for the Sustainable Development Goals and help decisionmakers understand citizen perceptions and priorities.

Tabann collected survey responses mainly in Juba Town market and at Juba University. His experience with conducting the survey is that many are interested and willing to participate, and that a clear majority prioritizes SDGs focused on basic services like health and water.

“I want to help the government and NGOs to know what people’s needs are and what services are needed (…) When the government and organizations know what people need, they will be better able to help the people”.