LEER – In the town of Leer, a silent revolution is underway.
Once decimated during fierce fighting, the town is slowly rebuilding itself thanks to the resilience of its residents, and a little support from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Patrols and engagement with local communities by UNMISS peacekeepers from Ghana provide a sense of security; and an economic empowerment project implemented a few months ago that combined training with seed money, has turned 25 women and 17 youth into new business owners.
“The training, and provision of the solar panel and a battery has changed my business model. Now I don’t need to buy power from expensive generators, and I am able to make repairs for electronic items and phones, and save more money,” says Chuol Nhial Wur, a young mobile phone repair shop owner.
A county that is persistently impacted by severe flooding every year, most of its marketplace stalls are set up on the go daily, selling from grains to fish, ready to eat snacks to fruit and vegetables.
“The training also built skills on book-keeping and managing finances. Many women have benefited and are able to make economic decisions to expand their business,” says Stephen Gai Yar, Leer Trade Union Chairperson.
He says residents have suffered immensely in the past and want to get on with their lives.
At a nearby grain stall, Rebecca Nyarock Phar explains that the project is a lifeline for women and widows.
“In the past, I used to take loans to run my stall and, if you failed to repay on time, you could be arrested. But now this start-up kit with sugar, sorghum, wheat flour and maize, makes it possible for me to reinvest my profits to expand my business,” she says.
“Within the short period that I have operated my business, I have been able to support my elder daughter to open a tea stall, which she is running very well.”
She wishes the project could be expanded to empower more women to become self-sufficient.
This injection of economic activity has also demonstrated to the young population that there are options to pursue.
“The reason why many youths get involved in criminality is because they are idle,” says Chuol.
“If we could extend it to 50 more youth, it will transform their lives. Many see my shop, and I tell them they can do the same. I feel happy to be an example and deter some youth from a life of crime.”
Everyone here hopes the fragile truce will last and yearn for a time when there will be a political solution that secures lasting peace for the country. A buzz of positivity hums through this modest marketplace, in a county that desperately seeks a better life for its inhabitants.
“This project has united the community and created harmony because the majority of people have something to do now,” says Rebecca.
“There were people who thought we didn’t have a chance but were encouraged with this project. If we have more of these economic opportunities, they will all benefit, and this keeps their hopes up.”
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By Robin Giri
