Over fifty individual groups trained on Village Savings and Loan Associations.
Empower Youth Africa (EYA), supported by the UNDP Peace and Community Cohesion Project (PaCC), conducted a five-day intensive training program at the Kor Malang IDP camp. This initiative focused on Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and aimed to empower the community through essential financial skills.
Fifty enthusiastic participants—comprised of 28 women and 22 men—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. This careful selection ensured diverse representation, maximizing the training and 39 impact and enabling participants to
gain vital skills for their futures.
Kor Malang is home to many families displaced from the Naivasha IDP camp. Despite efforts by the Government of South Sudan, UNDP, and UNMISS to facilitate resettlement, the community faces significant challenges, including high inflation and limited job opportunities.
Deng Teng Achien, EYA’s reporting officer, noted, “Many families here struggle to afford basic necessities. Without access to financial services and business skills, breaking free from cycles of dependency is difficult.”
The training provided participants with rich learning experience, equipping them with essential skills in financial management, record-keeping, and group business practices.
These skills will empower them to save collectively, access loans, and generate income, ultimately paving the way for a more self-reliant future.
The success of the training can be attributed to the dedication of EYA’s professional staff, who worked diligently to create comprehensive learning experience. Under the guidance of the Programme Manager, a strong training module was developed to ensure reliability and impact. Collaboration with the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), local camp leadership, and the community peace committee enhanced the training and 39 effectiveness.
During the closing session, an RRC representative encouraged participants to apply their new skills to create jobs and lessen their reliance on humanitarian aid. Participants expressed a strong desire for training manuals and handouts, reflecting their commitment to applying what they learned. This eagerness to continue learning demonstrates the community’s determination to improve their circumstances.
Looking ahead, EYA plans to provide ongoing support for the IDPs in Kor Malang. On August 28, 2025, the organization will enhance VSLA groups through savings and loan initiatives, followed by the distribution of livelihood capital to ten groups on August 29. This support will provide a much-needed boost to their economic activities.
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.
The training focused on key areas vital for improving livelihoods and building a sense of community, covering topics such as financial literacy, operations, income-generating activities, and effective leadership.
Through this journey of learning, participants embraced the opportunity to shape their futures, united by a shared goal of resilience and empowerment. 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. This project, generously funded and supported by UNDP, exemplifies a collaborative effort to uplift the community and create lasting change.
