Posted in 2014

In early May, JCCP distributed non-food items (NFI) to 964 households (about 5,000 individuals) of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in two communities in Juba County in Central Equatoria State. The NFI for distribution were chosen following the advice of the local government, Emergency Shelter & NFI Cluster and the Red Cross in South Sudan. The items distributed were as follows:
 
 
 
It takes about four hours from Juba City to reach the two communities. Since the rainy season had started, we faced difficulty in transporting the NFI as our truck carrying the items became stuck in mud en route. With help from the community in pushing our truck out of the mud, we finally completed the distribution without further mishap. The feedback received while monitoring the 19 households two weeks after the distribution revealed that all respondents were satisfied with the NFI. Comments included: “The plastic sheet protects us from the rain”, “The cooking and eating utensils are useful” and “The jerry can helps us collect water”. In the photo, you see a blue plastic sheet used as a roof with yellow jerry cans hung below. Despite the positive reception of the NFI, we also heard feedback such as: “We need seeds for cultivation” and “We want blankets”. Overall it was proved that we contributed to improving the lives of the dispossessed IDPs, who had fled only with what little belongings they could carry.

The NFI distribution was the first step in JCCP’s peacebuilding and emergency relief effort in South Sudan. We sincerely hope that these IDPs will recover their livelihood and return to normal life as soon as the current crisis ends.