FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 29, 2025

Community Initiative for Partnership and Development (CIPAD) Calls on the US Government to Reconsider the Suspension of US Foreign Aid for 90 Days

Juba, South Sudan. The Community Initiative for Partnership and Development (CIPAD), a civil society organization working tirelessly to promote human rights, peace, and development in South Sudan, expresses grave concern regarding the recent decision by the US government, under President Donald J. Trump, to pause all foreign aid for 90 days and initiate a review of aid distribution.

As a humanitarian and development organization dedicated to supporting refugees, returnees, and the most vulnerable populations in South Sudan, we urge the US government to reconsider this temporary freeze. The implications of this decision are far-reaching, particularly in a fragile and conflict-affected countries such as South Sudan.

Impact on South Sudan

South Sudan, which has endured years of civil conflict, continues to face immense challenges in rebuilding its infrastructure, institutions, and the social fabric torn apart by war. The US government has been a key partner in providing humanitarian aid to millions, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and returnees who have been displaced due to ongoing violence and instability.

A 90-day freeze on foreign aid will disproportionately impact the most vulnerable populations, especially refugees and returnees who depend on assistance for survival. In South Sudan, where food insecurity, malnutrition, and inadequate healthcare are widespread, the loss of support from organizations funded by US foreign aid could result in dire consequences. People who have already lost so much will be left without basic necessities, including food, medicine, and shelter. We cannot afford to see lives lost due to a disruption in essential aid that has been a lifeline for so many.

Wider Impact on Africa

The effects of this decision are not limited to South Sudan alone. Throughout Africa, particularly in countries facing humanitarian crises, the freezing of US foreign aid will hinder the efforts of civil society organizations, NGOs, UN agencies, humanitarian, and development programs that work to address poverty, hunger, and disease. It is important to acknowledge the critical role the United States plays in supporting global initiatives that alleviate suffering and promote stability. For millions of people across the continent, US foreign aid has been a key source of hope and resilience.

Our Appeal to President Donald J. Trump

We implore President Trump and the US government to consider the unintended consequences of this decision. The humanitarian need in South Sudan and across Africa is acute, and any disruption to aid programs could lead to an escalation in human suffering and instability. We call for a reconsideration of the pause and a commitment to continue providing support to those in dire need, particularly as the world grapples with a range of complex crises.

At CIPAD, we remain committed to working in partnership with local, national, and international stakeholders to ensure that vulnerable communities have access to the support and resources they need. We believe that the US government can play a critical role in helping South Sudan and Africa build a better, more stable future.

We stand ready to collaborate with the US government, other civil society organizations, NGOs, UN Agencies, and our partners in the field to ensure that the most marginalized communities do not bear the brunt of this decision.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Deng William Makur, Executive Director

Email: cipadsouthsudan@gmail.com 

Phone: +211923278888/+211913133343

Community Initiative for Partnership and Development (CIPAD)
Together, we can foster partnership and sustainable development.

Deng William Makur, Executive Director, Community Initiative for Partnership and Development (CIPAD)

The CIPAD project team, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has successfully conducted three impactful 1-day experience-sharing retreats for trained Psychosocial Community Volunteers (PCVs), UNDP-trained Psychosocial Support Trainers of Trainers (ToTs), and the CIPAD project team in Nyalath, Aweil Center County. These retreats, which took place on 30^th Sept 2024, 22^nd November 2024, and 5^th December 2024, attended by 38 (16 females and 22 males), 36 (15 females and 21 males), and 35 (14 females and 21 males) respectively and focused on crucial elements of trauma healing, psychosocial support, and personal well-being.

The three retreats of 1-day each were designed to provide a platform for participants to reflect on their work and engage in crucial discussions on self-care, emotional healing, and team-building. The main objectives of the retreats were as follows:

1. Reflection on Experience: Creating a supportive environment for participants to share their experiences, challenges, and successes in their roles as Psychosocial Community Volunteers. This allowed for valuable peer learning and exchange.
2. Refresher Training: Providing participants with updated knowledge and practical techniques on trauma healing and psychosocial support, enhancing their ability to deliver effective services in their respective communities.
3. Self-Care and Emotional Well-Being: Equipping participants with strategies for self-care and emotional resilience, ensuring they remain healthy and prevent burnout while performing their critical work in trauma healing.
4. Fostering Teamwork and Community Support: Strengthening connections among the participants, promoting teamwork, and building a supportive network that will further enhance community-driven psychosocial initiatives in trauma healing.

The retreat also served as a reminder of the importance of ongoing professional development, providing essential skills and tools to volunteers who are at the front lines of supporting communities affected by trauma.

As the retreats concluded, the feedback from participants highlighted a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm, and a commitment to continue providing impactful psychosocial support in their communities. The CIPAD project team, alongside UNDP, is committed to supporting these dedicated volunteers as they continue their vital work. This work was implemented in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the Japan.

The session focused on equipping community leaders with critical knowledge and tools to address the far-reaching effects of trauma in their communities. The following objectives were central to the workshop:

1. Understanding Trauma: Participants were educated on the different forms of trauma, psychological, emotional, and physical that can be caused by conflict, displacement, loss, and other challenging events. The workshop highlighted the symptoms, impacts, and long-term consequences of trauma on individuals and communities.
2. Trauma’s Impact on Communities: Leaders learned how trauma can affect entire families and communities, often passed down through generations. This understanding is essential for creating long-term healing strategies and preventing cycles of trauma from repeating.
3. Supporting Trauma Survivors: Community leaders were trained to recognize signs of trauma, respond with empathy, and create safe spaces for healing. The aim was to help leaders become effective supporters for individuals and groups affected by trauma.
4. Reconciliation and Peace-Building: The workshop emphasized the importance of dialogue in promoting reconciliation, forgiveness, and peace-building. Leaders were encouraged to address past grievances and conflicts in a constructive and non-violent way to foster mutual understanding and healing.
5. Promoting Unity and Social Cohesion: The leaders discussed their critical role in strengthening unity and social cohesion in their communities, ensuring that the process of recovery and reconciliation is inclusive and sustainable.
6. Focusing on Vulnerable Groups: Special attention was given to the needs of women, children, and other vulnerable groups who have been disproportionately affected by conflict and trauma. Empowering these groups was seen as a key part of the healing process.
7. Training Trauma Ambassadors: To ensure long-lasting impact, community leaders were trained as ambassadors of trauma healing and reconciliation, equipped to lead ongoing efforts in their communities and serve as catalysts for continued peace and recovery.

The workshop marked an important milestone in building the capacity of local leaders to drive meaningful change in their communities. By empowering them with knowledge and skills, this initiative is laying the foundation for a future of healing, unity, and reconciliation in Nyalath Payam and beyond.

This activity was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the Government of Japan.

The 10 communities where the sessions took place included Rum-anguoth, Udhaba, Nyalath Centre, Nyalath East, Nyalath West, Apada West, Apada East, Apada Centre, Barnywiny, and Kilo-buot, with 20 participants in each session. Each session lasted no more than 1.5 hours, ensuring accessibility and effectiveness in delivering vital psychological support. The sessions were facilitated with the guidance of at least one Training of Trainers (ToT) facilitator, ensuring quality delivery across all groups.

Throughout the initiative, participants shared positive feedback on how the sessions helped them process emotions and build resilience. Some success stories include:

• Akuol, a participant from Nyalath East, shared: “I never knew that taking care of my mental health was as important as my physical health. After attending the session, I feel more confident in dealing with stress, and I now know how to support my family better.”
• Garang, from Apada West, said: “The PFA session taught me how to stay calm in difficult situations. I used to feel overwhelmed by everything, but now I have tools to manage my emotions.”
• Aweng, a community member from Rum-anguoth, added: “I have seen a positive change in how my neighbors and I communicate. We have learned how to listen and support each other in ways we never did before.

These sessions have had a lasting impact, helping individuals not only cope with past trauma but also build stronger, more resilient communities. The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating the critical need for ongoing psychosocial support in these areas.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Psychosocial Community Volunteers, the ToT facilitators, and all community members for their active participation and commitment to this initiative. We are excited to continue supporting the mental health and well-being of the people of Nyalath Payam as part of our ongoing efforts to foster resilience and healing. We cannot forget to thank UNDP (Supporting Partner) and the Government of Japan (Donor) for unwavering support, without you, we would have done nothing to the needy people in Nyalath Payam, Aweil Center County, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State.

The first (11) psychosocial support sessions took place on the following dates:-

• 5^th September 2024 for Nyalath Center, Kilo-buot Bomas,
• 6^th September 2024 for Nyalath West, Udhaba Bomas,
• 9^th Septermber 2024 for Apada East, Apada Center Bomas,
• 10^th September 2024 for Apada West, Rum-anguoth Bomas,
• 11^th September 2024 for Nyalath East, Rum-majok and
• 12^th September 2024 for Bar-nyiwiny Bomas.

Through the dedicated efforts of our trained Psychosocial Community Volunteers (PCVs) and psychosocial support ToTs, we facilitated a total of 22 psychosocial support sessions across these groups, engaging a diverse audience of 220 individuals—116 females and 104 males. These sessions have provided essential tools and resources for participants, empowering them to cope with life’s challenges, provide psychosocial support services, and build supportive networks.

The second (11) psychosocial support sessions also took place on the below dates:

• 16^th September 2024 for Nyalath Center, and Kilo-buot Bomas,
• 17^th September 2024 for Apada West, and Rum-anguoth Bomas,
• 18^th September 2024 for Rum-majok Boma
• 19^th September 2024 for Apada East, and Udhaba Bomas,
• 20^th Septermber 2024 for Nyalath West and Apada Center Bomas
• 23^rd September 2024 for Bar-nyiwiny Bomas and Apada West Bomas.

The third (11) Psychosocial Support Sessions also took place on:

• 15^th October 2024 for Nyalath Center, and Kilo-buot Bomas,
• 16^th September 2024 for Nyalath East, and Rum-anguoth Bomas,
• 17^th September 2024 for Nyalath West and Rum-majok Boma
• 18^th September 2024 for Apada East, and Udhaba Bomas,
• 20^th Septermber 2024 for Nyalath West and Barnyiwiny Bomas
• 23^rd September 2024 for Apada Center Bomas.

The impact of these meetings and sessions has been profound. Participants have reported increased feelings of community connection, improved mental health awareness, and a greater understanding of the importance of psychosocial support. By creating safe spaces for open dialogue, we have enabled individuals to share their experiences and learn from one another, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.

The success of this initiative underscores the importance of community-driven approaches to mental health, psychosocial support, reconciliation and social cohesion. By establishing these psychosocial support groups, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for ongoing mental health and psychosocial support awareness and support in our communities.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as a partner, the Government of Japan as a Donor, all participants, the dedicated PCVs, psychosocial support ToTs, and community leaders who made the psychosocial support sessions possibly implemented. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient, and peaceful community.

This initiative, made possible with technical and financial support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), facilitation support from Trauma Healing & Psychosocial Support Trainers, and a donation from the Government of Japan, has achieved a significant milestone in enhancing local trauma healing and psychosocial support capabilities.

The training focused on equipping volunteers with essential skills and knowledge to effectively address community mental health needs, fostering resilience and well-being in Nyalath Payam. Key areas covered included trauma & trauma-informed care, psychosocial first aid, resilience, cycles of violence, forgiveness, trust building, reconciliation, and community-based psychosocial support strategies among others.

Key Achievements of the PCV training include the following:

• All the 30 members of Psychosocial Community Volunteers (PCVs) gained practical skills and knowledge in providing trauma healing, psychosocial support, and managing mental health crises in Nyalath Community,
• All the 30 members of Psychosocial Community Volunteers (PCVs) have the strengthened ability as local volunteers to support their communities effectively, promoting mental well-being and resilience; and
• The training has established a foundation for ongoing trauma healing and psychosocial support, contributing to long-term mental health improvements in the community of Nyalath.

We extend our gratitude to UNDP and the Government of Japan for their invaluable support in making this training a success. Their commitment to improving mental health and psychosocial support services in Northern Bahr El Ghazal is instrumental in creating a more resilient and supportive community.

Below were the photos of the PCV training implemented

With the invaluable technical and financial support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funding from Japan, local leaders (19 males and 11 females) from diverse backgrounds convened to identify, confirm, and establish a dedicated 30-member team of Psychosocial Community Volunteers (PCV). This meeting was organized on 16th August 2024 at Nyalath Payam headquarters attended by 30 (19 males and 11 females) local leaders.

This collaborative effort marks a significant step forward in strengthening trauma healing and psychosocial resilience and support with the community. The newly formed PCV team is poised to play a critical role in addressing and mitigating trauma and psychosocial challenges in Nyalath Payam.

We extend our gratitude to all participants and partners for their commitment to this vital initiative.

The training took place at Aweil Grand Hotel from 7^th– 8^th of September 2023 in Aweil Town, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, Republic of South Sudan.

The objectives of the training were to:

1. To enhanced participants’ knowledge and skills on basic business and financial management
2. To orient participants on the purpose of the income generating support that will be provided by the project after the training
3. To orient participants on importance of and how to sustain the income generating support that will be provided by the project after the training.

 Community Initiative for Partnership and Development (CIPAD) appreciates United Nations Trust Fund Secretariat for the financial support, and Conduct and Discipline Team (CDT) of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) as well as Community Based Complaint Mechanism (CBCM) for the technical guidance and support. Thank you!!!

The supported activity has:

1. Facilitated the trained Community Volunteer Counsellors to conduct trauma awareness meeting in their respective communities
2. Enabled communities understanding about trauma and how it can affect people and groups, recognizing the signs of trauma, having a system which can respond to trauma, and resisting re-traumatization.
3. Empowered the trained Community Volunteer Counsellors to take collective ownership and action in creating trauma awareness and providing the required community psychosocial support services in their respective locations
4. Enabled the trained Community Volunteer Counsellors built on strengths, identify and address barriers, and move toward sustainable provision of community psychosocial support services in their respective communities
5. Ensured that trained volunteer groups of counsellors are supported and facilitated to identify, document trauma incidences and provide psychosocial support services to the identified trauma survivors within their respective communities.

All the participants thanked UNDP, Sweden and CIPAD for organizing communities, and building their capacities in order identify, document trauma incidences and provide psychosocial support services to the survivors within their respective communities.

This work was made possible with the support from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Sweden.

The supported activity has:

1. Facilitated the trained Community Volunteer Counsellors to conduct trauma awareness meeting in their respective communities
2. Enabled communities understanding about trauma and how it can affect people and groups, recognizing the signs of trauma, having a system which can respond to trauma, and resisting re-traumatization.
3. Empowered the trained Community Volunteer Counsellors to take collective ownership and action in creating trauma awareness and providing the required community psychosocial support services in their respective locations
4. Enabled the trained Community Volunteer Counsellors built on strengths, identify and address barriers, and move toward sustainable provision of community psychosocial support services in their respective communities
5. Ensured that trained volunteer groups of counsellors are supported and facilitated to identify, document trauma incidences and provide psychosocial support services to the identified trauma survivors within their respective communities.

All the participants thanked UNDP, Sweden and CIPAD for organizing communities, and building their capacities in order identify, document trauma incidences and provide psychosocial support services to the survivors within their respective communities.

This work was made possible with the support from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Sweden.