April 10, 2024 – Following a highly successful first phase of our partnership with the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Reconciliation, Stabilization and Resilience (RSRTF) in 2022-2023 focused on Business & Entrepreneurship training, we are delighted to announce that Phase II of the project is up and running in southern Central Equatoria State, South Sudan. This new phase will focus on reconciliation, stabilization, and resilience in the state.
WPDI, alongside other consortium partners, will be implementing activities in the four counties of Lainya, Yei, Morobo, and Kajo-Keji. With a particular focus on reconciliation and resilience, we will leverage our expertise in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and community development to empower locals in these intervention areas. This will include the rollout of Conflict Resolution, Business, Cinema for Peace and Community Dialogue sessions.
Through our flagship program, the Youth Peacemaker Network (YPN), we are mobilizing young leaders trained by us to foster inter-generational dialogue, build trust in leadership, and promote social cohesion. These efforts are crucial for regenerating local communities that have been deeply affected by conflict, particularly following the surges of violence in 2013 and 2016, which had a huge human cost, both in terms of lives lost and the number of people internally and externally displaced.
One of the key objectives of the project is to contribute to the reconstruction effort of southern Central Equatoria State, once known as the breadbasket of the country, by promoting resilience programming for community initiatives. By providing basic services and revitalizing local markets, the project aims to create conditions for the return of inhabitants who were displaced to IDP settlements or refugee camps.
Being geared towards long-term solutions with lasting impact, RSRTF plays a catalytic role in funding projects like the RSRTF-ABP, creating conditions for peace and reconciliation in conflict-affected communities. With WPDI’s involvement, this partnership seeks to not only rebuild villages and communities but also empower locals to thrive once again.
Phase I has been life-changing for participants. Sarah Jokuduthe, the owner of Mama Sarah grinding mill, underlined how WPDI support in the framework of the project has helped develop her business and local community: ”I am very happy with the support I received from WPDI because where I live, we don’t have a grinding mill in the area, people could travel long distance of about 3 miles in search for grinding mill. But since I brought grinding mill in the area, people are happy because the long distance in search for grinding mill is reduced. I am also now capable of providing for myself all the basic needs and paying for my children’s school fees. The program should continue such that other colleagues will be in the position of receiving the same support.”
Over the course of Phase II, through our various initiatives including 36 dialogues/community meetings, 16 Conflict Resolution Education and Human Rights training sessions, 124 Cinema for Peace sessions, and the creation of 13 small businesses, we hope to reach nearly 27,000 people. In tandem, 103 businesses from Phase I will be receiving continued support for development and expansion.
In partnership with
