26 June 2023 – Juba – Over 90 women and girls will gain access to life-changing skills through a new partnership between the German Embassy and the Humanitarian and Development Consortium (HDC). With the signing of a cooperation agreement on Monday, the Embassy and the national NGO created the basis for a transformative livelihood program in Renk, Upper Nile. The project will be implemented in three women centers which were previously established by IOM with German funding.
Through this initiative, HDC will provide trainings in areas such as baking, tailoring and embroidery. The participants will also receive start-up kits as well as entrepreneurship and financial literacy trainings to help them build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the development of their communities.
The project which is funded by Germany intends to reduce the devastating economic and social impact of the conflict in Sudan. The disruption of supply chains and the continued devaluation of the SSP has significantly reduced the ability of vulnerable people to access food.
“Together with HDC, we are working to improve the lives of the people of Renk and contribute to the development of South Sudan,” said Mr Simon Ruf, Chargé d’Affaires a. i. and Head of Cooperation of the German Embassy. “I am confident that the trainings and the start-up kits will help participants to start their own small businesses and become financially self-reliant.”
Mr William Ngabonziza, Executive Director of HDC, added: “HDC is a national NGO which has been working in Renk County for many years. We are excited to implement this project for women empowerment. It comes at the right time as the Sudan crisis is acutely impacting women and girls. This project will support them to access to livelihood assets and new opportunities.”
As partner of South Sudan since its independence in 2011, Germany supports the implementation of the peace process and the long-term development of the country. It invests primarily in the strengthening of local governance, rural development, sustainable agriculture, gender equality and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence. Germany is also one of the largest contributors for Humanitarian Assistance in South Sudan.
