Photo Essay: Creating Business and Opportunity in South Sudan

A Powerful Model for Development

South Sudan is the world’s youngest nation

South Sudan is the world’s youngest nation. It’s people are resilient and working hard for a brighter future despite suffering two decades of war. Infrastructure like roads, electricity, plumbing, banks, and commercial centers are non-existent in most parts of the country.

Community savings group meets under a tree in South Sudan

Five Talents works in very rural areas, partnering with the local church to bring communities together to discover, develop, and grow their own resources. Group meetings are often held in the shade of a tree.

Training FOR TRANSFORMATION

Literacy graduate in South Sudan
Female literacy is among the world’s lowest in South Sudan.

South Sudan has one of the highest illiteracy rates in the world and over 80% of women have never learned to read and write. Five Talents programs start with training and certification in how to read, write, count, and make change.

Christian microenterprise development and community savings in South Sudan

Participants then join a community savings group, where alongside neighbors and friends, they learn to save and invest their own resources. Over 80% of members are women. The groups serve as small village banks to stimulate economic development.

Empowering Local Entrepreneurs

Rebecca is an entrepreneur in South Sudan.
Rebecca started a tea business in South Sudan.

Rebecca joined a Five Talents savings group and learned business skills. Then she used a loan from her group to start a business selling tea. She started with just a pot and a few cups, but now she runs her own restaurant selling tea as well as donuts and other snacks.

Community savings group meeting in South Sudan

Rebecca’s savings group meets every week in a local church. They’ve elected their own officials and store their savings in a metal box with three locks.

Community development box in South Sudan
Proper record keeping is important for community savings.

Members record their savings and loans in a book and alternate who is in charge of keeping the box. This week is Rebecca’s turn. She is respected and honored in her community.

A Lasting Impact

An entrepreneurial couple in South Sudan.

Rebecca’s husband, Nau, also joined the savings group. He has used loans to grow a business selling household goods. Rebecca and Nau run their two businesses together. Their shop is now the biggest in the village.

Sustainable business development in South Sudan
Creating a brighter future for children in South Sudan

Rebecca and Nau have six children. They are proud that as parents they can provide food, shelter, and education for their children. Their oldest four kids are now in school. Your partnership with Five Talents makes all of this possible. Thank you for sharing hope and opportunity through the ministry of Five Talents!