20 Years Later: Burundi Archbishop Testifies to the Impact of Five Talents

Martin Nyaboho was just a baby bishop when Five Talents was founded twenty years ago. In 1998,  church leaders representing over 160 countries endorsed Five Talents as a Christian response to the challenges of global poverty at the Lambeth Conference.

Today Martin serves as the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Burundi. He oversees a church without about one million members in a country that has been affected by conflict, poverty, and war. With a strong commitment to reconciliation, peace-building, and serving the poor, Archbishop Martin has witnessed first-hand the impact of his church's partnership with Five Talents.

Check out this flashback Photo Essay: Inside a Savings Group Meeting in Burundi

Myanmar: Building Business in the Land of the Golden Pagodas

Myanmar Business Development from Five Talents USA on Vimeo.

Transforming Lives through Economic Empowerment

Change is coming to Myanmar after more than fifty years of isolation. Learn how Five Talents works in Myanmar to empower poor communities and transform lives. 

Featuring content from Five Talents USA, ChicVoyage Productions, Vidsplay, and Kevin Mcleod (Rynos Theme). CC 3.0 by attribution.

Transformational Community Savings: A Model for Empowering the Poor

Community savings initiatives are building peace and prosperity even in the most challenging contexts. In South Sudan, Five Talents continues to work with local churches to coordinate financial literacy and business skills training, community savings and loans, business development, and the creation of community banks.

Support Five Talents' mission to to eradicate extreme poverty by restoring human dignity and creating strong, sustainable communities. Make a Donation Today!

The Journey towards Peace: Transforming the Future of South Sudan

Building peace in a nation devastated by war seems almost impossible. But in some areas of South Sudan, peace has already taken root and communities once divided are working together to build a brighter future.

 Local churches and community savings are playing a key role in forgiveness, reconciliation, and community development.

When the elders of Lietnohm were deciding how to name their community bank, they chose "Amat Wuot", which means "a union of communities" in the local Dinka dialect.  

In a town once razed by fighting, the community bank has become the focal point for unity and growth. "We are kinsmen, and this bank will bring us together," said Vincent Bol Yak, Sudan People's Liberation Movement Secretary Gorgrial East County. After more than seven years, Yak's statement remains true. 

Amat Wuot was the first community-owned bank ever established in South Sudan. Today peace continues to pervade Lietnohm. The bank's leadership is comprised of respected elders from different tribes. The members are committed to peace and to helping their community continue to improve healthcare, education, and business opportunities. 

We have found that across South Sudan there are tens of thousands of peacemakers.

Learn more about the Journey of Hope in South Sudan.

Special thanks to our program partners. This video features Harun Mutuma, South Sudan Country Director with World Concern.

Literacy and Financial Inclusion in South Sudan

Literacy and Financial Inclusion in South Sudan from Five Talents USA on Vimeo.

Imagine not being able to read, write, or even spell your own name. This is the plight of millions of women in South Sudan. Learn how Five Talents is equipping women with knowledge and skills not only to read and write, but also to develop and manage successful businesses.

Savings-Led Microfinance in Tanzania: A Documentary with BBC and Five Talents

Five Talents in Tanzania from Five Talents USA on Vimeo.

Five Talents work in Tanzania was featured in a special documentary exploring the impact of Christian microfinance and financial inclusion on low income communities.

Learn more about how you can walk alongside families along the road from poverty to new hope.