Collaboration matters! Main Network Gatherings by #ASKnet
2022 - The kick-off in Kampala (December)
For the first time #ASKnet members worked on the formalisation as an international consortium, a self-governed, inclusive cross-border network of South Sudanese and youth-led media organisations. The members drafted the network’s vision, mission, core values, and objectives, took notes on leadership structure, membership, and sustainability. #ASKnet members also gave strong attention to conflict identification, prevention, and mediation options within the network.
2023 - Foundation event in Juba (March)
The network launch event provided the member hubs with the opportunity to formally endorse the #ASKnet founding and constitutional documents. During the event, the representatives of the members finalized the establishment of #ASKnet as a network and signed the required documents to register #ASKnet as a consortium in South Sudan.
2023 - Steering Committee meeting in Juba (August)
This first Steering Committee after the foundation and in person meeting were aimed to support the development of professional capacities and to lead #ASKnet in organisational development, membership management, communication and advocacy. Furthermore four new members, both based in South Sudan and in Uganda were onboarded to the network.
2023 - Going to fields - #ASKsummit in Pagarynia Settlement
The annual community gathering was to lay platforms for member interaction and with the stakeholders in the community, showcase their work, build value and receive feedback. The first day focused on further implementation of #ASKnet, the second day was dedicated to a market of ideas, methodologies, skills that each member has and on the third day, there were public presentations, cooperation meetings and an exhibition space in the afternoon.
2024 - Co-Creation event in Juba (April)
After the initial rounds on ideation of work topics the meeting was intended to recap project implementations in 2023 and to plan programmes in 2024, ideally with a cross-sectional and truly collaborative approach amongst three or more #ASKnet Members. Some of the conceptual developments included the themes like Media Supported Activities for Leadership Development and Strengthening Support for Women, Spacemaking for Mobile Media-Productions and the Promotion of Responsive Environmental Interaction.
2024 - Steering Committee meeting in Kampala (December)
The SC meeting focused on developing the key measures for the #ASKnet 2025 Annual Programme, centred on media trainings and productions and the planning of a final community event at the end of 2025. #ASKnet members have reviewed the overall project framework, critically assess progress and challenges, and work in thematic groups aligned with the programme’s work packages.
2025 - Micro Fest Community Event in Gulu (November)
The ASKnet micro-festival 2025 in close collaboration with Oysters & Pearls Uganda was an event dedicated to strategic knowledge exchange and community-driven actions. The festival’s activities are centered around Artivism, Activism and Apprenticeship - nested in the principle that focused, local actions can drive vast, systemic transformation. It brought together the #ASKnet members and the Gulu community for deep dives into critical topics, evaluating ideas transforming thoughts into actionable, grass root strategies.
