PCDN Interview with 2011 Common Ground Awardee Emmanuel Jal Part 1 of 2
Emmanual Jal and John Prendergast, Co-Founder, Enough Project
Peace and Collaborative Development Network’s founder, Dr. Craig Zelizer, just shared part 1 of a 2-part interview he recently conducted with musician, peace activist, and 2011 Common Ground Awardee, Emmanuel Jal. This interview is the first in a new “PCDN Interview Series with Leading Practitioners and Scholars” from around the world.
Jal is from South Sudan and was recruited as a child soldier at the age of 7. He miraculously escaped and was smuggled to freedom in Kenya with the help of a British aid worker. He was enrolled in school for the first time and has since used his considerable talents and perseverance to become a successful recording artist and one of the most active advocates for those adversely affected by the conflict in Sudan. His music and his message have inspired countless people around the globe and he had founded three development projects that are currently active in South Sudan.
In this interview, Jal answers questions from Dr. Zelizer and PCDN members. He discusses what it meant to be given a Common Ground Award, the role that music has played in his process of healing and transformation, why he believes education is so essential to development, his vision for his ongoing projects over the next 10 years, and more.
The video also includes footage of his moving performance at the 2011 Common Ground Awards.
Stay tuned for Part 2!
