In South Sudan, we help single mothers stand on their own feet
In areas plagued by war, conflict, and displacement, securing a stable livelihood is often a struggle. In Malakal, South Sudan, a single mother of six received help to start her own business. She is now able to provide food and other necessities for her children.
Nyankiir lives in the town of Malakal in northern South Sudan, and she is alone in trying to raise her family.
Nyankiir struggles to feed her children
Nyankiir from the town of Malakal in northern South Sudan is alone in trying to support her family. As a single mother of six children, it is the 37-year-old's responsibility to provide food and other necessities for herself and her children. But after years of violent conflict in Malakal, securing a stable livelihood is a struggle.
It's a struggle Nyankiir shares with countless people around the world in areas of war, conflict, and displacement, where people are losing their jobs and livelihoods.
Danish Refugee Council's work includes restoring economic opportunities to help people in these areas support themselves and their families in a safe, dignified, and sustainable way.
Women working for local communities
In Malakal, Danish Refugee Council, with the support of the UN Humanitarian Fund for South Sudan, has engaged Nyankiir and about 40 other women in a paid programme to carry out tasks in their communities. Over four days, the women have trimmed and tended the grass at two schools in the town.
The money Nyankiir received for her work has been used to start her own business selling fresh milk. She started by buying five litres of milk, which she sold and reinvested the profits in her business.
"Thanks to the Danish Refugee Council, I can now buy food for my children instead of picking wild grass to feed them," she says.
"Now I have enough to start my own business. I am really happy to have been part of this project. It has brought the smile back to my life and hope back to my family."
