SALEM in Southern Sudan – Creating chances for the future

For a period of six months from November 2009 to April 2010, Äguwa Alfred Moses and Sebastian Müller represented SALEM in Southern Sudan. Together with the community of Mundri East County, they searched for ways to support the people in rebuilding their lives after decades of civil war. The data collected on the ground, and experience from SALEM’s worldwide network of successful projects informed the project-design.

In Southern Sudan, SALEM wants to focus on capacity building for both individuals and local organisations in order to foster the effectiveness of civil societies and to make a positive impact on sustainable development. A workshop based training-centre with an agro-forestry department attached will be the means to foster these developments.

People in the project area already join hands in local associations and the church struggling to improve their own living conditions, those of their children and those in need in the community. Right now, they still lack the skills, structures and the necessary resources required to make a real impact on the situation. It is SALEM that wants to address these needs. SALEM wants to facilitate and provide training, continuous monitoring and general support for the local Women’s Association, Disabled Group, Kediba Youth Association, the Church and a remote rural community. This training will focus on: organisational management including leadership and administration, finance and communication; income generating activities such as sustainable agriculture and forestry as well as the development of marketing strategies to establish a sound financial basis for the groups.

The realisation of SALEM-Sudan now depends on donors and sponsors who are willing to step forward and support this unique chance for reconstruction and positive change for the benefit of the people of Sudan.