The United States government today announced a $6 million program over two and a half years to support the South Sudan Council of Churches as it engages communities in grassroots reconciliation.

USAID said in a press release that the nationwide program “will address the deep and painful rifts within and between South Sudan’s diverse communities.”

Funds will be managed by NGO Catholic Relief Services, which will work with the South Sudan Council of Churches to support community-level reconciliation initiatives.

The name of the project is the “Reconciliation for Peace in South Sudan” initiative. It will have a special focus on women, youth and others that have been marginalized by years of conflict, according to USAID.

US Ambassador to South Sudan Molly Phee announced the new reconciliation program today at the launch of the National Peace Center in Juba, a USAID-funded community center. The center will offer meeting space, computer access, and Internet.

It also offers materials – including copies of the peace agreement, legislation, and official policies – which visitors can take away and share with their friends and colleagues.  

Photo credit: Victor Lugala/USAID South Sudan