By staff writer
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).
Signing of a cooperation agreement on Monday enables the Embassy and the national NGO to create a basis for a transformative livelihood program in Renk, Upper Nile state.
The project implementation caters for three women centers, previously established by International Organization for Migration (IOM) with German funding.
Through this initiative, HDC will provide trainings in areas such as baking, tailoring and embroidery.
Beneficiaries 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.
Funded by Germany government, the project intends to reduce the devastating economic and social impact of the conflict in Sudan, where disruption of supply chains and the continued devaluation of the SSP have 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. Simon Ruf added.
Mr. William Ngabonziza, Executive Director of HDC said. HDC as a national NGO has been working in Renk County for many years.
“We are excited to implement this project for women empowerment. It comes at a time, the Sudan crisis is acutely impacting women and girls,” he remarked.
According to Ngabonziza, the project will support HDC to access to livelihood assets and new opportunities for the beneficiaries.
Germany, as partner of South Sudan since its independence in 201, supports implementation of peace process and 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.