welcome welcome home: Inside ARC - 7.2.14 - Somalia Jobs, South Sudan, Back-to-School

Hi jay,

Here's the latest from ARC. If you have any questions or want more info, don't hesitate to get in touch.

-Daniel

Daniel Wordsworth, President

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*En Route to 50,000 Jobs*

ARC recently joined with partners Kaah Express and Silatech to launch Somalia’s first commercial microfinance institution. Unemployment in Somalia currently tops 65%. This unique public-private partnership will promote job creation and provide opportunity for people in Somalia—particularly young people and low-income women. Loans will enable entrepreneurs to start and expand small businesses, such as fishing, carpentry, tailoring, and small retail shop management. The program also offers a robust package of financial education, life skills, and business training to improve the ability of clients to make informed decisions about their financial needs. The goal is to provide financial access and stimulate economic development throughout Somalia.

Earlier this year, we also launched a vocational training program in Somalia, working with Somali businesses to train young people in the skills businesses are lacking. It’s been incredibly popular both among companies and eager trainees. These two programs are the centerpiece in achieving our goal of creating 50,000 new jobs in Somalia in the next 5 years.

*South Sudan Conflict and Hunger*

The conflict in South Sudan continues on. Peace talks seem to be going nowhere, even as the country’s neighbors threaten the warring sides with sanctions. More than 2 million South Sudanese have abandoned their homes since violence broke out in December. As a result, much of the country’s fields have gone unplanted, and families have left their emergency stocks of food behind as they fled. Now more than 7 million people are at risk of starvation and disease, but the violence is making it difficult to get relief through.

Much of the areas where ARC works have remained somewhat secure, and we’ve been able to continue providing families with lifesaving services. As the situation evolves, our team is there ready to respond in whatever way we are needed. We will keep you updated on developments in South Sudan.

*School Back In Session*

School is now back in session at Fisherman’s Village Elementary School, San Jose Central School and San Jose National High School in Tacloban, Philippines. All three schools were devastated by Typhoon Haiyan in November, and teachers and hundreds of students lost their lives. With funds from ARC’s generous individual supporters, our teams have been rehabilitating the schools. Work is still in progress, but we’ve repaired ceilings, roofs, windows and doors to return the buildings and yards to areas suitable for children and learning. Below are some before and after images from San Jose Central School.

CentralB&A