The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in partnership with a national non-governmental organization known as “Empower Youth Africa (EYA)” through the support of the Sweden government donated 10 grinding mills to women in Aweil, Northern Bahr El Ghazal.
Mary Nyanut Chuor, one of the beneficiaries said that the grinding mill will support their families.
“Since Empower Youth Africa and UNDP intervened in Malek-Alel County. the (food security) situation has been improving because the grinding mills will bring great benefit to us.”Said Nyanut.
Another beneficiary, Garang Mangok, thanked the two institutions for supporting food security, describing the donation as a rescue for the vulnerable group.
“Providing villagers with grinding mills will reduce hunger.” Said Garang.
Monicah Ajak Madut, UNDP Cluster Coordinator at Northern Bahr El Ghazal State said that UNDP together with EYA are working to help change the youth from the culture of violence to being partners in resolving conflict.
“We know that if a woman is doing business, she will be doing it for the benefit of her family, the benefit of her community, and the benefit of society.” Ajak Echoed.
In South Sudan, most of the food people eat are porridge-type dishes made out of ground maize.
Maize kernels have to be cut off cobs, ground into smooth powder and women do all the work by hand. For the grinding, they must kneel for hours, hurting their backs and joints. This laborious work takes several months to complete after each harvest. Sometimes, families go hungry when women can’t keep up with production.
