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UN PhotoSOUTH SUDAN / UNMISS BUILDS COMMUNITY RESILIENCE
STORY: SOUTH SUDAN / UNMISS BUILDS COMMUNITY RESILIENCE
TRT: 04:29
SOURCE: UNMISS
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: NUER / NATS
06 JANUARY 2026, LEER COUNTY, UNITY STATE, SOUTH SUDAN
1. Various shots, people in the market
2. SOUNDBITE (Nuer) Choul Nhial Wur, Trainee, Leer:
“The reason many youths resort to cattle raiding and other criminal activities is unemployment. This is why a man may kill another man and sell his cattle simply to survive. The training we have received can help rehabilitate young people into productive members of society if it is extended to others. Young people are also victims of political power struggles; they are often used as fighting forces and lose their lives for political ambitions. My message to young people is simple: sitting idly at home is not good. If you want to go fishing, do it. If you want to collect papyrus or start a vegetable farm near the river, do it. Let us love one another, be proactive, and stop following those who thrive on division and bloodshed.”
3. Various shots, people at the training centre
4. SOUNDBITE (Nuer) Stephen Gai Yar, Trade Union Chairperson, Leer:
“Before, we faced many challenges. We did not know how to save our money because most of us lacked business skills. Now, the beneficiaries understand how to save their income. However, those who were trained represent only a small fraction, and many more people are eager to receive this training. They have told me that, when UNMISS comes, they want the programme to expand because it is changing their means of survival. Leer is now transforming, and women have been empowered.”
5. Various shots, people at the market and training centre
6. SOUNDBITE (Nuer) Rebecca Phar, Trainee, Leer:
“Speaking about the challenges women are facing, those who have been supported so far are few. Many others are still struggling in the market and earn very little profit. Some make tea while renting shops and chairs. I appeal for support so that women can become self-reliant. I urge you to return and support those who did not benefit, because this is how we survive.”
7. Various shots, UNMISS personal
In Leer County, in South Sudan’s Unity State, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is supporting income-generating activities aligned with local market needs by providing startup capital and strengthening beneficiaries’ financial capacity and resilience.
South Sudan continues to confront immense and growing challenges, including a deteriorating political and security situation as well as an economic crisis which is exacerbated by the impact of climate shocks on already vulnerable communities.
In Leer County, the situation is particularly dire with a needs assessment identifying 91 percent of villagers experiencing a scarcity of food and many suffering from a lack of livelihood opportunities in an environment beset by floods, livestock diseases, and conflict.
SOUNDBITE (Nuer) Choul Nhial Wur, Trainee, Leer:
“The reason many youths resort to cattle raiding and other criminal activities is unemployment. This is why a man may kill another man and sell his cattle simply to survive. The training we have received can help rehabilitate young people into productive members of society if it is extended to others. Young people are also victims of political power struggles; they are often used as fighting forces and lose their lives for political ambitions. My message to young people is simple: sitting idly at home is not good. If you want to go fishing, do it. If you want to collect papyrus or start a vegetable farm near the river, do it. Let us love one another, be proactive, and stop following those who thrive on division and bloodshed.”
During training sessions, the participants are organized into small groups based on vulnerability criteria, shared interests, and complementary skills. They receive tailored training in startup business skills and financial literacy and are linked up with experienced entrepreneurs who serve as mentors.
SOUNDBITE (Nuer) Stephen Gai Yar, Trade Union Chairperson, Leer:
“Before, we faced many challenges. We did not know how to save our money because most of us lacked business skills. Now, the beneficiaries understand how to save their income. However, those who were trained represent only a small fraction, and many more people are eager to receive this training. They have told me that, when UNMISS comes, they want the programme to expand because it is changing their means of survival. Leer is now transforming, and women have been empowered.”
The initiative seeks to create a peaceful and supportive environment in which vulnerable groups can safely pursue economic opportunities and build resilient futures together. However, given participation is limited due to a lack of resources, challenges persist.
SOUNDBITE (Nuer) Rebecca Phar, Trainee, Leer:
“Speaking about the challenges women are facing, those who have been supported so far are few. Many others are still struggling in the market and earn very little profit. Some make tea while renting shops and chairs. I appeal for support so that women can become self-reliant. I urge you to return and support those who did not benefit, because this is how we survive.”
Through vocational training and community mobilization, UNMISS is endeavouring to strengthen protection of civilians and promote peacebuilding so that the people of Unity can secure the better future they deserve.
