Out of Poverty, Into Business

Out of Poverty, Into Business Five Talents Fighting Poverty, Creating Jobs, Transforming Lives Savings Groups and Micro-Enterprise in Lietnhom, South Sudan This particular market in Lietnhom, South Sudan is critical for local residents. It provides dried fish, sorgun, sugar, salt and a pharmacy. Micro-entrepreneurs involved in trade often transport goods and sell them in markets like this one. The most successful micro-entrepreneurs distinguish their businesses by finding ways to add value, such as roasting peanuts and grinding them into peanut paste, or altering second-hand clothing. AMAT WUOT COMMUNITY BANK: Amat Wuot Community Bank Five Talents helped to found the first village bank in South Sudan in 2009. Now with over 800 members, the bank serves women and men in different clans that once were enemies. STARS Setting an Example The community is watching Five Talents, its partners and the micro-entrepreneurs who are members of a savings group. Group Meetings Family Benefits Membership in a savings group is considered an honor. It's also seen in the community as having benefits for the entire family. Savings and profit from a micro-enterprise can pay for school books and basic needs After a meeting in Lietnhom, group members carry chairs back to their market stands. Success is the best recruiter. When a neighbor builds a business and creates a sustainable living, people notice and begin to follow in his or her footsteps. Members meet weekly, often near their homes or business. The meetings help to keep participants accountable and also give them easy access to support and encouragement when they need it. The Locked Box and can contribute to the growth and development of the next generation. Group members' combined savings are stored in a metal box secured with three locks. It is held on a rotating basis and can only be opened when all three key-holders are present at group meetings. Types of Micro-Enterprises in Lietnhom* 44% retail/trade 30% farming 18% fishing 8% other *Data from a 2012 partner survey Photograph by David Middleton I Facebook.com/FiveTalentsUSA I Twitter and Instagram: @FiveTalents I www.FiveTalents.org 767