In South Sudan, there exists a very fragile peace. Whether this peace will last should become clear following a referendum in 2011. People worry about the future and are uncertain whether peace will prove sustainable. The need is great: food and drinking water are scarce. Few or no basic facilities such as schools and hospitals are available. Outbursts of violence in the past two decades have torn families apart and caused over four million people to become displaced. In recent years many refugees have returned.
As a consequence of wars and violence, the infrastructure in South Sudan remains very poor, and large numbers of people in the South still lack access to basic facilities
Eradicating extreme poverty and social exclusion
ZOA has worked in South Sudan among those who are most vulnerable since 1998. In South Sudan these people are not only those who have fled but especially those who were unable to escape the violence. ZOA sets up projects intended to eradicate extreme poverty and social exclusion. Here, ZOA caters specifically to the most vulnerable: girls, people infected with HIV and people seriously at risk of becoming contaminated with HIV. Wherever possible, peace-building and equal opportunities for women are addressed in all projects
Slow progress
ZOA expects to remain involved in South Sudan for a long time to come. After all, South Sudan is still so vulnerable and has a weak civil society that is progressing very slowly. Transferring activities to local organisations will be a very gradual process. Local organisations take a long time to become active and lack qualified staff. Sustainable development is complicated, because people are suspicious and lack the confidence to invest in the future.
In 2009 ZOA hopes to launch a programme in the East of Juba County. This is a depopulated area, where preparations are in progress for the return of inhabitants. Needs are tremendous in this area. There are too few organisations to meet the enormous needs among the people.
