In the last two years, Five Talents and AFRECS have piloted trauma healing and peace building programs across three regions: Juba, Renk and Terekeka. This training strengthens the relationships in the Savings Groups and enables members to work well together. As one facilitator observed, “the relationships in the groups have deepened as a result of being able to share their grief together and minister to one another.”
There are some surprising findings from 935 pilot participants. 90% of members reported increased healing from the trauma of war—defined as increased capacity to cope with the social and emotional implications of displacement, insecurity and war. Savings Group members also reported taking responsibility to be peacebuilders in their communities. For example, 92% of pilot participants report taking personal action to build peace and increase trust in their communities. What does this look like? Mediating household and community level conflicts, advocating for victims of gender-based violence, and building intentional relationships across ethnic lines.
Trauma healing and peacebuilding are critical tools to help communities heal and become more resilient, to become places where people and their businesses can thrive. It is a privilege for Five Talents and AFRECS to be a part of this process. | 
