JUBA – The Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has provided business start-up kits to vulnerable communities in Torit.
The initiative aims to empower local entrepreneurs, boost household incomes, and strengthen livelihoods by enabling small-scale business development and self-reliance among community members.
Palm Irimo, a 39-year-old mother of eight and one of the beneficiaries running a bakery business, confirmed to Sudan Post on Friday that the livelihood projects will provide another opportunity to increase business incomes for the most vulnerable communities.
“The work is good, but the machine will help boost the business. We work as a group, the business is boosted, and we will have improved income. They have given us the opportunity, and that will help our kids in terms of school fees,” said Irimo.
Wodcan Saviour Lazarus, the executive director of Support Peace Initiative, said the support will boost the household incomes of vulnerable communities in Torit County, Eastern Equatoria state.
“This is one of the supports we are providing to vulnerable communities; it is really improving their situation. When you look at some of the groups, they are vulnerable to the extent that they cannot afford their daily lives,” said Lazarus.
“When we provide start-up kits for business, we will improve their lives. Without livelihood, there is no peace. To achieve this, one must ensure they are feeding their families, the kids are in school, and they are in good health. This is about the economy, and that is about peace,” he said.
Angela Ajana Pio, the chairperson for the Torit Parliamentary Caucus in the Eastern Equatoria State Legislative Assembly, stated that the business start-up kits boost community activities in terms of improving business incomes.
“As area members of Parliament, we are always lobbying for support to be given to vulnerable communities, including women and persons with disabilities. The start-up kits will enhance the business; all the groups will be active in business,” said Pio.
The community support, which benefited five different categories including an ICT centre for youth and persons with disabilities, two cooperative societies, a bakery, and a tailoring group, is facilitated by the Support Peace Initiative Development Organisation (SPIDO) with funding from the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s Peace and Community Cohesion (PACC).
