Training women in business skills such as business plan development, customer care, record keeping, and business management allows them to participate in the economy and generate an income for their families, which provides greater access to security, healthcare, and education for everyone. AWACE provides these skills as well as ongoing business mentoring to female entrepreneurs breaking cycles of poverty.

Most women we work with are unbanked, meaning that they don’t have a reliable place to save money or access capital. AWACE trains these women to form VSLAs, which are community-based groups that practice saving and lending together. When women are able to access this form of money management they are better equipped to respond to the emergencies, or “shocks,” that keep them in poverty and to plan for their futures.

Though many groups in South Sudan have historically been pastoral, AWACE trains women in sustainable agriculture methods that will increase nourishment for their families, serve as a source of income, and regenerate depleted soils in South Sudan.

Tailoring is a universal business model that is needed in every community where we work. AWACE looks forward to providing tailoring training programs to women who have completed business training and are looking to develop sewing skills and launch a business that provides tailoring, clothing design, embroidery, and more.