A Group meets in South Sudan

Friend,

Did you know that you are helping lift people out of poverty through entrepreneurship in places where it is needed most?   

Five Talents ministers in three of the top five most impoverished countries in the world, according to a recent ranking covered in Global Finance - South Sudan (number one), Burundi (number two) and Democratic Republic of the Congo (number four). 

Because of you, Five Talents’ programs are making a real difference in each of these countries. Despite difficulties including a refugee crisis in South Sudan, severe flooding in Burundi and throughout East Africa, and continuing security challenges in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Literacy and Savings groups continue to transform lives for the better. Here are just a few highlights:  

• A new program recently launched in Wandi, South Sudan, including a trauma healing component for communities affected by conflict.

• In Terekeka, South Sudan, 86% of participants shared that they started and/or expanded a business in 2023.

• In Burundi, 84% of Savings groups formed are still actively saving and loaning together after more than 10 years, according to a recent study.

• In Aru, DRC the program has increased resilience for families in the past three years, with 77% of participants saying that they now have savings that they can use in an emergency.  Compared to 50% at baseline, 83% now feel that they are in a better position to deal with a crisis.  

Five Talents is honored that you have chosen to partner with us in these efforts. Look for our upcoming Annual Report for more information and stories about our work in 2023.