By Staff Writer
In the heart of Mangateen IDP camp in Juba, a new wave of hope is unfolding as locals embrace innovative record management and household income generating and capacity building training designed to strengthen their economic futures.
In May this year, Active Citizen South Sudan (ACSS) in partnership with LM International, embarked on a series of trainings to empower internally displaced persons (IDPs) through enhanced business and household management skills.
The initiative later marks the beginning of a new era – one where self-reliance, business acumen, and inclusion take center stage, empowering women and youth to break free from the constraints of economic hardship and build a thriving, sustainable community.
About twenty (40) participants from different business fields were engaged during the drive.
Peter Khan, a professional tailor who participated in the training, praised the initiative, highlighting that it enhanced their business potential.
“It is contributing to our income improvement and operational techniques, and this broadens our knowledge of business management and planning that I didn’t even know before,” he explained.
“This training has also provided me with valuable skills that will improve business practices and help me reach new heights. It’s not just about managing a business; it’s about building a future,” he added, emphasizing the lasting impact the training would have on their livelihoods.
For her part, Nyekuilik Turoah, a female participant who operates a small business in the camp, revealed that the sessions were a beacon of hope, paving the way to overcome local economic challenges.
“I used to suffer from rent issues, but this training has given me the tools to better manage my business and improve my earnings. With these new skills, I am confident I can rise above the challenges I face,” she shared.
The intervention was designed to help mentor locals on how to navigate the ongoing economic challenges, equipping them to improve their businesses while reducing overdependence on external aid as it was segmented into two key sections.
These include a theoretical segment focusing on group discussions about lessons learned and best practices in business, and a practical segment addressing pricing strategies, business record management, and household economy integration.
Gai Makiew Gai, the project officer for the organization, stated that it was high time to enhance coping mechanisms for the IDP community in the face of the ongoing economic crisis.
“Given the ongoing economic hardships, it’s crucial to equip these individuals with the skills to adapt and thrive. This training will not only help them manage their businesses but also build resilience for the future,”
“The aim was to capacitate IDP women and youth to enhance their coping mechanisms and make strides in improving their local businesses” he added.
Persons with disabilities were also included in the conversation about business and economic growth.
For sustainability purposes, Gai emphasized that the participants would continue to be engaged through follow-up mentorship and support.
“To ensure the long-term impact of this training, we will maintain active engagement with the participants, providing guidance and resources to help them apply these skills effectively in their businesses and daily lives. This ongoing support is key to fostering sustainable growth and self-reliance,” he explained.
For the people of Mangateen, the future looks brighter. With new skills, a fresh outlook on business, and a stronger sense of self-reliance, they are now better equipped to face the challenges of their environment.
As one participant put it, “This training has opened our eyes to what is possible, even in tough circumstances. We now know how to manage our businesses better, and we’re ready to take our skills to the next level.”
Through such initiatives, Mangateen is witnessing a new dawn – the one where local record management, household economies, and business practices are empowered by knowledge, resilience, and a sense of unity among the community’s women and youth.