Press Release/Commentary by CHFI posted on November 07, 2006 at 18:52:44: EST (-5 GMT)
PRESS:- Sudan: rebuilding livelihoods and strengthening communities
Cooperative Housing Foundation International
Date: 07 Nov 2006
Since gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1956, Sudan has struggled to maintain peace in this ethnically diverse region of Eastern Africa. Following the Comprehensive Peace Agreement which ended a fierce 20-year civil war in South Sudan, a new conflict had already emerged in the western Darfur region of the country.
Working in Sudan since 2004, CHF programs address a number of cross-cutting themes in the areas of shelter, food security, income generation, and community awareness.
Bringing Shelter Expertise to Sudan
With more than 1.8 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in refugee camps throughout Darfur, CHF works with new arrivals in IDP camps to provide full shelter packages. Going beyond the mere provision of plastic sheeting and bamboo sticks, CHF uses locally available materials, including grass mats that are woven by beneficiary IDP women to help create economic opportunity locally.
In South Sudan, CHF is providing shelter to the most vulnerable refugees returning from neighboring Uganda. As in Darfur, CHF supports the local community not only by providing shelters, but by generating work opportunities through small grants to local construction groups who build traditional tukuls.
Food Security
Throughout Darfur and South Sudan, conflict has prevented millions of Sudanese from practicing their traditional livelihoods. As agriculture is the primary source of subsistence in Sudan, CHF assists local families in rebuilding their farms. Often with the assistance of in-kind donations from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), CHF replaces lost seed stocks, tools and in some cases livestock to bring a degree of stability and self-sufficiency back to farming communities throughout the country.
Major Achievements: Shelter and Food Security
60,000 IDPs in Darfur have received shelter materials from CHF, with the assistance of hundreds of IDP mat weavers.
1,000 vulnerable returnees to South Sudan have had traditional huts built with the assistance of local community construction groups.
Over 100 metric tons of cereal and vegetable seeds and over 13,000 farm tools to restart the farming cycle have been distributed.
20,000 farmers have been trained in improved farming methods.
55,000 families are making use of 69 community-managed grinding mills each month.
20,000 chickens, goats and donkeys have been distributed to vulnerable families.
Over 150,000 sick animals have been treated in 7 CHF veterinary clinics.
Income Generation
CHF also promotes income generation by supporting and promoting small business growth. Through the provision of training and capital, women, youth, and Community Based Organizations (CBOs), across Sudan have been successful in turning CHF's initial investment into a small, revenue-generating operation. To date, CHF has generated over 300,000 days of employment for women and youth across Darfur and South Sudan.
Major Achievements: Income Generation
Generated 200,000 days of employment for hundreds of IDP women involved in mat weaving, fuel efficient stove production and handicrafts for CHF in Darfur.
8,000 workers gained employment through quick start infrastructure projects in South Sudan.
Over 1,000 community members received micro-grants and income generating assistance in Mundri County.
Local groups were awarded 24 business grants to support activities such as beekeeping, bricklaying, tailoring, pottery, shoe repair, carpentry and hair styling in Kajo Keji.
Strengthening Communities through HIV/AIDS and GBV Awareness-Raising and Education
Recognizing the need for awareness-raising activities in post-conflict South Sudan, CHF has been working to strengthen the capacity of local groups to educate communities on HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence (GBV). With CHF support, local Community Based Organizations (CBOs) use entertaining songs, dances, dramas and information sessions to spread important messages on HIV prevention and the harmful effects of GBV on families and communities. CHF also intends to reach a larger target audience by developing radio programs on GBV themes, which will be broadcast around parts of South Sudan.
Major Achievements: HIV/AIDS and GBV Awareness
Over 3,000 men and women participated in HIV/AIDS information sessions.
Over 2,000 community members attended GBV drama productions.
200 key community leaders participated in GBV training.
Over 24 discussion sessions and drama shows were held.