One of the world's newest countries, South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of war and continues to face immense challenges. The ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan is driving a mass influx of refugees into communities already dealing with flooding and drought, and the closure of the border with Sudan has interrupted supply chains, contributing to a shortage of goods and rapidly escalating inflation.
Almost 80% of the South Sudanese population lives in rural areas, and infrastructure for basic needs and services is often limited or unavailable. Years of conflict and displacement have impacted educational attainment, affecting women disproportionately. The literacy rate, currently below 35% nationwide, is lower for women, and the maternal mortality rate in South Sudan is one of the highest in the world.
Five Talents has been working in South Sudan since 2007. Five Talents focuses its programs on remote, low-income areas where residents lack access to formal financial services of any kind and work to build local capacity, providing training and access to financial services through community-owned and managed Savings Groups.
To date, Five Talents has helped to establish three community banks in South Sudan – the only three locally owned community banks in the country. Our program in South Sudan has served over 66,000 members and current areas of operation include Renk, Wandi, Terekeka, Juba, and Bahr El Ghazal.
Over the years, we’ve discovered a wealth of treasure in the Parable of the Talents. That’s why we’ve prepared this free guide to Matthew 25, featuring reflections from pastors and Christian leaders.
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