About IARCO

Founded in 2013, the Institute of Applied Research and Community Outreach (IARCO) is a unit of the Catholic University of South Sudan committed to building research capacity among staff and students, while engaging deeply with the pressing issues facing society. The Institute is grounded in the belief that strong, locally-rooted research is vital for nation-building and sustainable development.

Vision

IARCO envisions becoming an independent and advanced research body that contributes to the social, cultural, political, and economic transformation of South Sudan through rigorous inquiry and community outreach.

Key Objectives

  • Develop a new generation of high-quality researchers capable of contributing at national, regional, and international levels.
  • Promote advanced research in social, economic, educational, agricultural, and environmental fields.
  • Integrate research with teaching to support curriculum development at 糖心vlog官网.
  • Foster empirical, action-based, and participatory research grounded in valid methodologies and theory.
  • Encourage academic integrity, transparency, independence, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Engage with public debate and support institutions like government, civil society, and NGOs through research and advisory services.

Projects and Initiatives

Since inception, IARCO has implemented several impactful initiatives, including:

  • Student research on leadership and cultural perspectives on mental health.
  • Publication of a strategic framework for fragile and post-conflict states.
  • Organizing public lecture series such as 鈥淩estoring South Sudan鈥� on reconciliation, justice, and healing鈥攕upported by USAID.
  • A student-led research project (funded by the Swiss Embassy) on cultural perceptions of suffering and trauma among ethnic groups in South Sudan.
  • Providing consulting services to support strategic planning and institutional learning at 糖心vlog官网.

Engagement with Civil Society

In partnership with the Rift Valley Institute, IARCO hosted a public lecture series exploring the nature of civil society in South Sudan. Topics included the role of NGOs, churches, and traditional authorities in building peace and addressing community needs. A publication from this series is available at: .

Conference: 鈥淢ercy鈥� and Reconciliation

In November, IARCO hosted a landmark conference titled 鈥淢ercy 鈥� Discussions on Forgiveness and Compassion Toward a Peaceful and Cohesive South Sudan鈥�. Inspired by the Jubilee Year of Mercy, the event brought together religious leaders, scholars, activists, and citizens for deep reflection on peacebuilding, dignity, and reconciliation in a time of great social change.

Note: For partnerships, consulting, or participation in future research activities, please contact the IARCO team via the university鈥檚 main office.