Well-digging and vocational training for returning refugees

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Background

Sudan is the largest country on the African continent. Civil war has raged in the south of the country for 21 years, during which 2 million people have died and 4.5 million people have become refugees or have been internally displaced. In January 2005 a peace agreement was finally signed and the people were in a position to begin the reconstruction process. Now it is necessary to facilitate a smooth return of refugees in southern Sudan and to rebuild villages that were destroyed in the civil war. Meanwhile, in the western region of Darfur, attacks are continuing and the situation is so harsh that the UN has de-scribed it as the gravest humanitarian disaster of this century. It will take a long time before a full peace is achieved throughout the country.

Summary of activities

1. Skill training for returning refugees (Juba)

JVC is providing skill training for returning refu-gees so that they may be able to earn their own money and lead independent lives. We are carrying out technical training for former refugees at a vehicle maintenance factory in the main southern town of Juba. This factory furthermore contributes to the smooth return of refugees in that it carries out repairs of UNHCR vehicles.

In 2005, we carried out the background survey for this project and in 2006 we dispatched a Japanese vehicle maintenance expert and started to provide training. Young men who were formerly refugees are repairing real cars and learning new skills as they work. We are implementing this project in partner-ship with the local NGO, SCC.

2. Support for digging wells (Darfur)

In Darfur, where the security situation remains un-resolved, there has been a surge of people who have been chased out of their villages. As a result of the conflict, and also of the harsh drought that has af-fected this area, villages are suffering from a lack of food and water. The guarantee of a safe water supply is a vital condition needed to support human life. Indeed, guaranteeing supplies of this scarce resource has become a new source of conflict.

In 2005 we carried out a survey and drew up an agreement with the NGO Islamic Relief to cooperate in providing assistance for well-digging. After that time, the security situation became worse and we temporarily halted operations, but in 2006 we were able to progress with well-digging work.