By Matik Kueth
The German government has committed an additional $65 million to help nearly one million South Sudanese build sustainable futures through a wide-reaching joint resilience project, in a bold step toward breaking the cycle of humanitarian dependence.
The funds, channeled through the German Development Bank (KfW), will be implemented by UNICEF and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) as part of Phase II of the Joint Resilience Project, a program meant not only to save lives, but also to transform them.
The initiative will deliver critical support in the urban and peri-urban areas of Juba, Torit, Yambio, and Aweil, focusing on education, health, livelihoods, clean water access, child protection, and gender-based violence prevention.
Gregory Bledjian, Head of Germany’s Mission to South Sudan, stated that the financing is intended to help the country become self-sufficient.
He stressed that strengthening food security, education, and social cohesiveness can help reduce long-term reliance on humanitarian relief.
“This isn’t just about aid, it’s about opportunity. We’re investing in the power of the South Sudanese people to shape their own future. Our goal is to support them on a path to self-reliance, dignity, and hope,” Bledjian said.
Noala Skinner, UNICEF’s Representative in South Sudan, hailed Germany for its “timely and generous contribution” and stated that it will help UNICEF to extend important initiatives such as malnutrition treatment, clean water provision, and education and health support.
Meanwhile, Adham Effendi, WFP’s Acting Representative and Country Director in South Sudan, described the assistance as an “investment in long-term resilience, food security, and dignity.”
He expressed gratitude for the grant, which he said will help WFP deepen its commitment to community empowerment.
With 9.3 million people, 70% of the population, still in need of humanitarian assistance, the funding comes at a critical time.
The new funding builds on the success of the first phase of the project, which began in 2019 and benefited 550,000 people with over $120 million from Germany.
Phase II will expand the program to new areas of the country. twist this story in a different way and give it a catchy headline. give it some quotes
The new phase will extend the project’s reach to more communities, providing tools not only to endure crises but to build back stronger.