The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Social safety net project extended to new counties in South Sudan
The 'Productive Safety Net for Socio-economic Opportunities' project – popularly known as 'Shabaka Meisha' – will benefit more than 157,000 vulnerable households, including refugees and host communities.
This article was originally published on 8 March 2024 and has been updated to reflect recent project developments.
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8 October 2024
The World Bank recently provided additional funding for the Shabaka Meisha project, allowing it to be extended to five more counties: Leer, Malakal, Rubkona, Rumbek North and Yambio.
Initially covering 15 counties and reaching more than 96,000 households, the project now covers 20 counties – reaching more than 157,000 household beneficiaries.
Additional information available here.
South Sudan lacks a reliable social safety net system to respond to vulnerable communities when crisis strikes. The project – which builds on the success of the World Bank-supported 'Safety Net and Skills Development' and 'South Sudan Safety Net' projects – aims to strengthen the country's national safety net delivery system.
Strong social safety nets help support vulnerable communities, strengthen resilience to shocks and stresses, and promote longer-term recovery and development.
The World Bank-funded four-year project is being implemented by the government of South Sudan with support from UNOPS. It will provide cash assistance to low-income and vulnerable households to meet immediate needs and build resilience.
Participants – at least 65 per cent of whom are women – will also be employed on labour-intensive public works projects as well as take part in training focused on financial literacy, early childhood development, and water, sanitation and hygiene.
Previously launched in Bor, Gogrial West, Juba, Kapoeta East, Melut, Pibor, Raja, Tonj South, Torit and Yei, the project has now been extended to five new counties across South Sudan: Aweil West, Maban, Mundri West, Pariang and Pochalla.
"The project will also contribute to achieving gender parity by ensuring meaningful female participation in local community structures established by the project, promoting women's voices and agency in the community,” said Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare Aya Benjamin Warille.
Read more here.
