A Community-Driven Organization Advancing Peace, Protection, and Sustainable Development

Change Agency Organization (CAO) is a national, non-profit civil society organization committed to promoting human rights, protecting vulnerable populations, and supporting sustainable development in South Sudan. The organization works closely with communities to address social challenges, strengthen local capacities, and promote inclusive development that improves the wellbeing of individuals and families.

CAO believes that meaningful and lasting change must be driven by communities themselves. For this reason, the organization places strong emphasis on community participation, local leadership, and collaborative partnerships in designing and implementing its programs.

Through its work, CAO aims to build peaceful, resilient, and self-reliant communities where every individual—especially women, children, and youth—has the opportunity to live with dignity, security, and hope.

Our History

Change Agency Organization has its roots in grassroots community initiatives that began more than two decades ago. The organization started in 1999 as the Future Search Group, a local youth initiative focused on community awareness and social development.

As the organization expanded its activities and community engagement, it evolved into Change Agency Association in 2006, strengthening its role in community development and advocacy initiatives.

In 2017, the organization was formally registered under the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) of South Sudan as Change Agency Organization (CAO). This registration allowed CAO to expand its programs and partnerships while continuing its commitment to serving vulnerable communities.

Since its establishment, CAO has grown into a trusted local organization working to address key development challenges and promote positive social change.

Our Vision

A peaceful, just, and sustainable society where all people enjoy equal rights, dignity, and opportunities to thrive.

Our Mission

To empower communities through education, protection initiatives, advocacy, and sustainable development programs that promote human rights, social justice, and economic resilience.

Our Goal

To contribute to the creation of safe, inclusive, and resilient communities where individuals are empowered to improve their lives and participate actively in development processes.

Our Core Values

CAO’s work is guided by strong values that define how the organization operates and engages with communities and partners.

Integrity
We uphold the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all our activities.

Accountability
We are accountable to the communities we serve, our partners, and stakeholders, ensuring responsible use of resources and measurable impact.

Community Participation
We believe sustainable development is achieved when communities actively participate in identifying challenges and designing solutions.

Respect for Human Rights
We are committed to promoting and protecting the fundamental rights and dignity of all people.

Inclusiveness
We ensure that women, youth, children, and marginalized groups are included and empowered in development processes.

Where We Work

Change Agency Organization primarily operates in Western Equatoria State, serving communities that face challenges related to poverty, limited access to services, social inequalities, and the impacts of conflict.

Our programs currently reach communities in:

• Yambio County
  
  

• Nzara County
  
  

• Tambura County
  
  

• Ezo County
  
  

By working closely with community leaders, local authorities, and civil society partners, CAO ensures that its programs respond directly to local needs and priorities.

Our Areas of Focus

To address the complex challenges faced by communities, CAO implements programs across several key sectors that contribute to sustainable development and social wellbeing.

These program areas include:

• Education and youth development
  
  

• Child protection
  
  

• Peacebuilding and conflict resolution
  
  

• Gender-based violence prevention
  
  

• Women empowerment and gender equality
  
  

• Livelihoods and economic empowerment
  
  

Each program is designed to strengthen community resilience, empower vulnerable groups, and promote long-term positive change.

Our Approach

CAO applies a community-centered and participatory approach to development. This approach ensures that communities are not just beneficiaries but active partners in creating sustainable solutions.

Our work is guided by the following principles:

• Community ownership of development initiatives
  
  

• Partnership and collaboration with stakeholders
  
  

• Capacity strengthening for local communities and institutions
  
  

• Sustainability through locally driven solutions
  
  

• Inclusive development that prioritizes vulnerable populations
  
  

By strengthening local capacities and promoting community leadership, CAO helps ensure that development gains are sustainable and impactful.

Our Partnerships

CAO recognizes that effective development requires strong partnerships. The organization collaborates with:

• Community-based organizations
  
  

• Local government institutions
  
  

• National and international NGOs
  
  

• Development agencies and donors
  
  

• Civil society networks
  
  

Through these partnerships, CAO strengthens its ability to deliver impactful programs and reach more communities in need.

Our Commitment

Change Agency Organization is committed to building a future where communities are empowered, rights are protected, and opportunities are accessible to all.

We remain dedicated to working alongside communities, partners, and stakeholders to create lasting change that promotes peace, equality, and sustainable development across South Sudan.