As soon as the diesel engine of the grinding mill roars to life, members of the Wako community rush forward, forming a line with bags of sorghum in hand and smiles of anticipation on their faces.

To them, this mill represents more than just machinery—it’s a lifeline, essential for meeting their daily nutritional needs. Only yesterday, community members had to trek miles to the nearest mill, where they paid a hefty fee to grind their grain into flour. Now, they only need to walk a few yards and pay a small fee for diesel and maintenance costs.

Installed by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan as part of a larger initiative to support remote communities in Lakes State, this mill is one of many introduced to improve local resilience. The mission also trained 40 women and men to operate and maintain the machinery. This effort places marginalized women at the heart of community contribution, uplifting their status and building a sense of shared responsibility.

“Last year, I lost a pregnancy due to the physical strain of carrying a heavy bag of sorghum for miles under the scorching sun to reach the nearest mill,” shared Grace Marcello, one of the newly trained operators. “I’m relieved that other young, pregnant women in my community will now avoid such hardships with the new mill nearby.”

The mill, which grinds various grains, including sorghum, maize, and sesame, is designed to be dependable, low-cost, and easy to maintain, operating on diesel and requiring minimal repairs.

Head of the UNMISS field office in Lakes, Christopher Murenga, urged the community to view the mill as an empowerment tool rather than just a machine.

“We encourage the community to sustain peace, making it easier for humanitarian assistance to reach them. By taking the first steps towards self-reliance, they show commitment, and UNMISS will continue supporting all efforts by communities to help themselves.”