Rapid Intervention for Displaced Persons

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­A recent rapid response project in partnership with PMU, the development wing of the Swedish Pentecostal Movement, funded through SMC addressed the dire humanitarian needs of newly displaced persons sheltering in Lainya County. Some families were found sheltering in Samson Nursery, Lainya Primary School and others being accommodated by the host community in Rudu and Lokurubang—all within Lainya county, central Equatoria State.

The two main objectives of the intervention were:

• To reduce immediate food insecurity through food distributions for the recently displaced persons and vulnerable members of the host community
• To provide timely/sustainable, equitable access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene. 

The project targeted 1,300 vulnerable households, however more than 1500 households (approximately 9300 people) were reached. The team was able to exceed the target due to careful management and attention to stewardship principles when procuring and transporting items for distribution.

Families receiving direct distribution received food baskets (maize flour, salt, vegetable oil, and beans), and hygiene items (soap, bucket, and menstrual hygiene kits for women).

The project also reached more than 5000 people with hygiene messages aired on the radio. The messages included education on the importance of hygiene with an emphasis on preventing the spread of diseases, such as coronavirus. The entire project was carried out with full coronavirus safety measures in place.

Access to water is vital for communities. ACROSS mobilized a team to assess ten bore holes in the communities. Some bore holes were found to be overgrown and others needed repair or maintenance. The team rehabilitated the ten bore holes, then trained community members in how to care for them.

At the end of phase one of this project, the team reported the need still existing in the community. PMU responded by approving a second round of interventions with funding through SMC.