In January 2011, a referendum was held in South Sudan, in which an overwhelming majority voted that South Sudan should, secede and it became independent state on the 9th of July 2011.
NCA has a strong and consistent record of delivery and flexibility throughout its history of engagement in the country. Focus on long-term commitment has been coupled with the flexibility to adapt rapidly to changing circumstances. Over the years, NCA has developed a solid understanding of the local context as well as relation-building competencies, and forged a strong basis of trust with local communities, church partners, local authorities and governmental structures.
The NCA strategy for South Sudan 2011-2015 seeks to link the humanitarian needs to an integrated approach and the long-term capacity development of both government and civil society actors. We also work to strengthen the advocacy potential of faith-based actors in nation-building processes. Although education has not been defined as a programme area for NCA globally, it has been maintained as a programme area for NCA in South Sudan due to our historical engagement with key partners.
NCA’s main geographical focus in South Sudan is in Eastern Equatoria and Warrap states. Engagement at national level is focused on accompaniment of civil society platforms in advocacy with a special focus on churches and civil society interaction with governance on issue-based engagement for nation building.
NCA is an active supporter of ecumenical cooperation and coordination through the ACT South Sudan Platform. Since July 9th 2011, the South Sudan programme has from been under the leadership of NCA’s Country Representative in Juba.
Our work
Norwegian Church Aid is committed to working together with civil society organisations and faith communities and will continue to strengthen and develop the capacity of civil society in Sudan in the future.
NCA’s strategy for South Sudan for the period of 2011-2015 foresees a shift from primarily being operational in many areas towards adopting a role as facilitator and accompanier. NCA’s strategy for strengthening civil society focuses on three areas:
- Mobilising communities to take an active part in development
- Building alliances and networks
- Mutual capacity development
Norwegian Church Aid’s principles for partnership are based on respect for the autonomy of the partner, equality, transparency, accountability, responsibility and trust.
The integrated approach:
Norwegian Church Aid in Sudan has three main working methods: Long-term development work, emergency preparedness and response, and advocacy. These are implemented as an integrated approach.
Commitment to mainstreaming development principles:
Norwegian Church Aid has a commitment to implement programmes in line with the Do No Harm principles, in a gender sensitive manner and to be compliant to HAP (Humanitarian Accountability Partnership) standards.
Norwegian Church Aid has prioritised the following global programme areas to work with in South Sudan:
Faith communities and peace-building: we support partners’ and faith communities’ active participation to change local contexts and promote peace
Women and peace-building: women and girls participate at all levels in NCA supported peace-building activities
Access to quality health care: improved access to quality health care for poor and marginalised communities
Water, sanitation and hygiene: improved access to water and sanitation, enabling a good environment for improved hygiene for poor and marginalised communities
Emergency preparedness and response: we contribute to providing timely and appropriate life-saving support to populations affected by conflict and natural disasters
Education: improved access to education.
Coordination through the ACT Alliance
Norwegian Church Aid participates actively in ACT Alliance activities in South Sudan.