CRS program focus in Southern Sudan:

• Agriculture: To improve the livelihood and food security of communities in southern Sudan through building self-reliance in the agriculture sector, while maintaining and improving the natural resource base for future generations. Programs in this sector include seed fairs, farmer-lead experimentation, promotion of ox-plow technology, support to farmers’ associations and agricultural networks, and the introduction of improved varieties of cassava, sweet potato, and peanuts.
• Education: To ensure equitable access to quality education through capacity building of communities, civil society, and local schools. The programs support school infrastructure and materials, teacher training, school feeding, school income generation activities, and education policy and curriculum development.
• Health: To work with specialized health organizations, both local and international, in order to utilize their unique skills to address health problems arising in local communities. The programs address nutrition, health education, water and sanitation, and capacity building. Health education classes are implemented through feeding centers, schools, and household visits.
• Peacebuilding: To support the grassroots peacebuilding activities of Justice and Peace Committees throughout southern Sudan, and to facilitate advocacy at regional and international levels on issues relating to peace and justice. These programs work to facilitate the integration of peace education and peacebuilding initiatives into the curricula and overall activities of schools in southern Sudan.
• Emergency Relief: To provide critical food, clean water, shelter and other essentials to communities and populations on the move, displaced and/or in need CRS also assesses what it take for communities to regain self-sufficiency. Emergency needs will likely increase as displaced communities return to southern Sudan following the signing of the peace agreement.