South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The Empower Youth Africa (EYA), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s Peace and Community Cohesion Project (PaCC), has concluded a five-day intensive training programme at Kor Malang IDP camp in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal State.
The training equipped participants with practical skills in financial management, record-keeping, and group business practices, aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering resilience within the displaced community.
Deng Teng Achien, EYA’s project coordinator, said the training provided participants with a rich learning experience, equipping them with essential skills in financial management, record-keeping, and group business practices.
Achien stated that fifty participants, including 28 women, were carefully selected from a pool of 500 individuals to represent ten groups of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) within the camp’s resettled communities.
“Many families here struggle to afford basic necessities. Without access to financial services and business skills, breaking free from cycles of dependency is difficult,” said Achien during the closing of the five-day training on financial management.
Achien noted that the initiative aimed to empower the community through essential financial skills, focusing on Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and providing support for the IDPs in Kor Malang.
“These skills will empower them to save collectively, access loans, and generate income, ultimately paving the way for a more self-reliant future. They have gained vital skills for their futures,” he said.
Achien revealed that EYA is committed to nurturing a thriving community that can stand independently, fostering growth and providing essential support as they work towards a brighter future for all.
“By equipping community members with essential financial and business skills, EYA is not only strengthening resilience but also fostering social cohesion in Western Bahr el Ghazal,” said Achien.
On August 28, 2025, EYA enhanced VSLA groups through savings and loan initiatives, followed by the distribution of livelihood capital to ten groups, a much-needed boost for their economic activities.
Despite efforts by the transitional government, UNDP, and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to facilitate resettlement, the communities face significant challenges, including high inflation and limited job opportunities.
