Partner: Evangelical Free Church in South Sudan (EFCSS)
Location: Torit, South Sudan
A bakery is changing the narrative in South Sudan by creating more job opportunities and renewing hope where it was once lost.
The people in South Sudan often feel marginalized and oppressed due to the immense amount of conflict in the country. South Sudan attained its independence in 2011, and since then the country has experienced several wars that claimed the lives of more than 400,000 people. This caused two million people to escape to seek refuge in the neighboring countries. Even now, most families are struggling to survive because they lack opportunities and resources. The amount of conflict still taking place makes it nearly impossible to move forward in their lives. Young people are without education, jobs, and hope, which often leads to more stealing, fighting, and joining negative groups. Leaders in these communities are crying out for help to improve the future of their country.
THE PROBLEM AND THE SOLUTION
The biggest issue for communities in South Sudan is the lack of resources and opportunities. Most people are stuck in a cycle of poverty and believe there is no way out. The wars have left them in a state of constant chaos which has kept them in survival mode. Most young people in this country are defeated in their efforts to build better lives for themselves.
Pastor Pious, our Mission ONE partner and one of the leaders in the community, believes the way to improve South Sudan is to provide people with education, job opportunities, and training. Not only does this provide for their physical needs, but it also encourages them emotionally and spiritually. Along with our local partner, we have responded to the needs of this community by starting a bakery which is providing added resources and support, creating job opportunities, and renewing hope. In the middle of fighting, chaos, and trauma, we want to share the love and hope of Jesus by showing those in Torit, South Sudan that change is possible.
OUR PLAN
The bakery project has already started under the leadership of Pastor Pious. His brother, Lino Mario, is the manager and chef and has trained all of the employees. He currently works for a well-known hotel in Juba where he's gained the experience needed to manage the bakery. In preparation, Pastor Pious has also interviewed his church members and has selected 14 people to be employed by this project. He has spoken with hotels, restaurants, and stores to secure contracts agreeing to buy bread from the bakery once it's open as well. Each vendor has agreed to pay five dollars per 10 loaves of bread, and altogether they are willing to buy 2,000 loaves of bread per day. A building has also already been secured in Torit for the bakery.
DESIRED IMPACT
Our ultimate goal for the bakery is to create more job opportunities and bring hope to the community. The long-term desired impact is for the bakery to be making enough money to replace what Mission ONE sends as support, and additionally to generate financial stability for 20 families through the jobs it will create. As the business grows even more, the funds will go back to the missionaries, their projects, and towards improving the community.
MEASURABLE GOALS
01.
20 jobs will be created by the bakery within the first year of opening.
02.
Half of Mission ONE's support will be replaced by the bakery profit after the first year of opening.
03.
All of Mission ONE’s support will be replaced by the bakery profit after the second year of opening.
04.
After the third year of opening, profit margins will allow for any additional income to be allocated to another local project in South Sudan.
OUR IMPACT
- 14 bakery staff have been recruited.
- Bakery staff have completed training.