Salaam Junub, a Juba-based NGO has initiated a three-year project to support former child soldiers and survivors of gender-based violence amid the prevailing economic hardship.
Bush Buse, the founder of Salaam Junub said the project is a commitment from founding members of Salaam Junub and Take Tea Together to contribute to supporting vulnerable children youth, and women.
Buse said the majority of young people and women continue to experience extreme poverty, adding that some of the children were recruited forcefully by armed groups.
“The youth-led initiative had committed to mobilize at least 12,000 U.S dollars every year to support 25 former child soldiers particularly those who were recruited into Mathiang Anyoor force and other armed groups,” he told The Juba Echo in an interview in Juba.
Santino Awach, a former child soldier said the project is an opportunity for them to reintegrate into society.
“This project is an opportunity, as child soldiers we have gone through many challenges. This project is supporting some of us to start small businesses,” said Awach.
Regina Joseph, a resident of Gurei who is also a beneficiary said that the project is supporting them to open up start-up businesses.
Joseph was displaced from Malakal in Upper Nile State during the conflict in 2014.
She said Salaam Junub has come at the hour of need. Joseph said she has been struggling to feed and educate her children.
“Our children are no longer in school due to the prevailing economic hardship, we cannot afford daily meals and even the cost of treatment, the provision of startup capital and mentorship is very important, we appreciate Salaam Junub for the support,” said Joseph.
The youth-led project initiated by Salaam Junub and Take Tea Together to support former child soldiers and survivors of gender-based violence was launched under the theme, “Empowering former child soldiers and survivors of gender-based violence through business training”.
