EduFilm operates from Juba, South Sudan, as a small media organization focused on video production and training. Led by founder Malok Mading, the group produces educational content, preserves cultural stories, and trains young people in filmmaking and digital skills to reach communities affected by the country’s ongoing education challenges.
The Education Crisis in South Sudan
More than 2.8 million children—over 70% of school-age children—are out of school in South Sudan, according to UNICEF. Conflict, poverty, displacement, flooding, and barriers like early marriage (especially for girls) keep many from formal education. Pastoral communities often move with livestock, making regular school attendance difficult. Without changes, this affects long-term development and stability.
In this setting, EduFilm uses media as an alternative channel for learning and information, especially where schools or printed materials are hard to access.
Malok Mading and the Origins of EduFilm
Malok Mading is a documentary filmmaker and education advocate with prior work alongside UNHCR, LWF (Lutheran World Federation), and the Vodafone Foundation. He started EduFilm to involve local people directly in telling their stories, rather than relying on external reports or short-term projects. The approach treats community members as storytellers and co-creators. This can help content reach more people through digital sharing, even in areas with limited infrastructure. See the About Us page for details on their stated goals.
Why Focus on Video?
EduFilm prioritizes video because studies show better message retention—around 95% for video versus 10% for text—and higher engagement in many contexts. In places with mobile phones but low literacy or inconsistent electricity, video can cross barriers more easily.
A World Bank study from a similar setting (Northern Nigeria) found that community videos combined with mobile follow-up improved literacy and numeracy outcomes noticeably. EduFilm produces content on education, culture, gender issues, and advocacy, aiming to inform and encourage discussion.
Training Youth in Media Skills
Beyond making videos, EduFilm runs training in filmmaking, editing, storytelling for advocacy, post-production, and ethical guidelines. These are practical skills that can lead to jobs or greater involvement in public life. South Sudan has a young population—about 75% youth, per UNDP data—making this focus relevant for building future capacity.
Team member Gabuu Myles (Film Production Lead) recently received an IGAD Digital Media Award, highlighting emerging talent.
The Current Team
EduFilm keeps a small team with clear roles to build steady capacity:
- Malok Mading – Founder & Executive Lead
- Makaela Francis – Creative Design Lead
- Gabuu Myles – Film Production Lead
- Raza Imran – Website Developer & Digital Lead
This setup spreads responsibilities and supports long-term growth.Commitment to Ethical PracticesEduFilm follows guidelines for informed consent, participant safety, and respectful representation. In communities that have often appeared in media focused on conflict, this helps ensure people are portrayed with dignity and control over their narratives.The organization aims to archive over 100 cultural stories to preserve traditions and oral histories.
What This Means Going Forward
South Sudan’s education challenges require multiple solutions. EduFilm tests one: using local media production and training to deliver learning, preserve culture, and build skills where traditional systems face limits. As a newer organization, results will depend on consistent community involvement, real impact, and ability to grow responsibly. In a country with millions of children missing school, efforts grounded in local voices and accessible tools offer one practical response.
Explore our website to learn more about Edufilm current projects, impact, and ways to connect.
