Changing lives through the local church
Overview
Years of war, drought, and famine has left a permanent mark on South Sudan and its people.
- Over 80% of the population lives on less than $2 a day.
- In 2017, 60% of the population faced severe food insecurity and many children were on the verge of death from starvation.
But where suffering is, God is already there working, ready to pour out his love. For decades, Tearfund Canada has been on the front lines of serving the most vulnerable in South Sudan. Although progress has been made, there is still a long way to go.
Quick Facts
of the population faces severe food insecurity
0
%
of people live on less than $2 a day
0
%
people have received food since 2017
0
of women have been sexually assaulted
0
%
Our Projects
Over the last four years, Tearfund has provided thousands of individuals and children with life-saving emergency food. Now, as the immediate threat of starvation subsides, our focus is turning to long-term sustainable development and teaching families how to grow more food so that they can feed their families.
But that’s not all—we discovered that 72% of women over the age of 12 have been sexually assaulted, often as a weapon of war. Tearfund is working with local churches to help heal these deep wounds.
Project 1
Aweil trauma healing
Problem
South Sudan has endured conflict, crisis and unrest since its foundation in 2011. Many of its people live in extreme poverty and tragedy, leaving scars. Sexual and gender-based violence is common, with women and girls experiencing disproportionate levels through forms of violence such as trafficking and child marriage. Acts of violence are rarely reported, leaving survivors without hope. They feel trapped in a cycle of trauma and pain.
Challenges
Survivors of sexual and gender-based violence struggle to believe that God can heal or release them from their trauma. Most cases go unreported, and without any support, trauma survivors are forced to face the social stigma, emotional pain, spiritual loss and physical effects of their trauma for years on their own.
Activities
Church and community leaders will gain awareness through training, and learn about their role in the healing process and the importance of reporting. After training, leaders will be supported to hold talks in their respective churches on sexual gender-based violence, and form trauma healing groups that will handle the cases of sexual violence in their respective churches and communities. To reach more individuals, radio talk shows will be organized in which the trained church leaders will have an opportunity to share with the community members of all religious backgrounds about the healing mechanisms for survivors.
Project Details
- Location: Aweil
- Timeframe: May 2022 – May 2025
- Total Budget: $70,000 (Year One)
Outcome
Trauma healing facilitators will be equipped, and survivors will begin to heal and gain new hope. Communities will be transformed as knowledge about sexual and gender-based violence is shared, and an avenue of support and healing from years of conflict and instability will be provided within the church.
Project 2
Humanitarian, Early Recovery, and Development (HERD)
Problem
Widespread flooding, localized dry spells, and continued heightened poverty has caused high levels of food security in Aweil, South Sudan, forcing those living in poverty into inhospitable areas. Vulnerable families are struggling to earn enough money to survive, and food is scarce, causing health problems and trapping people in poverty.
Challenges
Crops have struggled in the climate crisis, and increasing market dependence has driven food prices incredibly high. Vulnerable households are struggling to grow or purchase food, and families are in desperate need of nutrition and hope.
Activities
Three rounds of food assistance will be provided to the most vulnerable families during the lean season. Distribution committees will be trained in each village to provide support to community leaders on women’s empowerment and gender awareness.
Project Details
- Location: Aweil
- Timeframe: May 2022 – September 2022
- Total Budget: $1,000,000
Outcome
2,000 vulnerable people will be provided with sorghum, beans, vegetable oil, and salt to help them survive the hardest months, and hope will be restored.
Project 3
Humanitarian, Early Recovery, and Development (HERD)
Problem
Kajo Keji in South Sudan has significant untapped agricultural potential and favourable conditions, but experiences a high level of food insecurity due to conflict and displacement.
Challenges
Covid-19 has impacted Kajo Keji by limiting cross-border trade, closing schools, and contributing to increased food prices.
Activities
This project will provide commodity vouchers and agricultural inputs, facilitate the development of savings and loans groups, provide business training for alternative livelihoods, and address gender-based violence by drawing on Tearfund's Transforming Masculinities curriculum.
Project Details
- Location: Kajo Keji
- Timeframe: March 2021 – September 2022
- Total Budget: $1,491,235
Outcome
This project will provide 6,000 families with access to seed kits and tools to increase production and restore livelihoods. 700 vulnerable households will receive five rounds of food during the lean season. 1,000 households will form 50 farmer groups, which will receive training on sustainable farming practices, and engage and mobilize other farmers.
Stories of Transformation
A lifted burden
After her husband was shot and disabled in South Sudan’s civil war, Adut had to find a way to provide for her family. She began making and selling charcoal, but the money wasn’t enough. When all hope seemed lost, she enrolled in Tearfund’s food assistance program. “I felt like a huge burden was lifted off my chest.”
Life-changing food vouchers
Alok begged daily in South Sudan’s Warawar market, looking for anything to feed her family, including her blind husband. As famine hit South Sudan in 2017, she was confident they would die. But she found new hope when they received food vouchers by Tearfund’s local church partner. “The food vouchers saved our lives.”
Partners
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