ECHO-Funded Cash Assistance Empowers Over 80,000 South Sudanese to Meet Basic Needs
A groundbreaking cash assistance program funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) has provided essential support to 86,085 individuals, benefiting around 10,179 households across South Sudan. The initiative, spearheaded by Save the Children in collaboration with Action Against Hunger and the International Rescue Committee, targets vulnerable groups including returnees, refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities—particularly those headed by women—in the crisis-affected regions of Jonglei, Unity, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal.
Nyador, a 28-year-old mother from Akobo, shared her transformative experience with the program: “This money is helping me. I want to thank you very much. I use it to pay school fees and buy food, soap, and materials to build my house. I used the money to buy two goats, and now I have six. I plan to buy another one to exchange for a cow. One time, I sold one of my goats and used the money to buy two small goats; they are now big. Thank you so much.”
The cash assistance is empowering beneficiaries like Nyador to meet their immediate needs while making decisions that bolster their families’ futures. In addition to satisfying daily necessities, recipients are utilizing this financial support to build resilience, contributing to a more stable and enduring community.
Famari Baro, Save the Children’s Interim Country Director, emphasized the significance of such direct assistance: “Direct cash assistance to individuals in urgent need empowers them to prioritize their most immediate concerns. With cash in hand, people can make choices that align with their unique needs and circumstances, enhancing their sense of agency and control over their lives. This method promotes dignity and choice, often more effectively than other forms of aid. Although we have reached nearly 80,000 people, the needs in South Sudan are still significant. To save more lives and expand this crucial support, we urgently require additional resources and call upon the international community and the government to stand with the vulnerable population.”
Data from post-distribution monitoring indicates that 80% of respondents confirm female involvement in decisions regarding how the cash is spent at both family and community levels. The project has been implemented with a focus on safety, transparency, and inclusivity, restoring dignity and choice to those affected by ongoing crises.
In a nation where 7.1 million people—nearly 75% of the population—require urgent food aid, the ECHO Cash Project serves as a vital lifeline. Launched in March 2024, the Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) initiative enables crisis-affected households to secure food, healthcare, and education, ultimately fostering resilience and mitigating long-term vulnerabilities.
Through targeted support and a commitment to transparency and inclusion, the ECHO-funded consortium not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for a more resilient South Sudan, better equipped to face future challenges.
