Stories
August 6, 2025 • 2 min read
In Lul Payam, South Sudan, Julia Nyakuach, a single mother of three, turned a small cash-for-work opportunity into a thriving tea business. After years of selling firewood to survive, she joined a dyke construction project led by GOAL and partners. Despite community doubts about her ability to do the work, Julia earned enough to launch her dream business.
Recurring flooding in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State, compounded by ongoing displacement and economic hardship, has left many families vulnerable. To address both environmental and livelihood challenges, a Cash-for-Work (CfW) initiative was launched through the Catholic Diocese of Malakal in partnership with CAFOD and GOAL, with generous funding from UKAid. The project employed community members in the construction of flood-protective dykes, providing them with much-needed income support. For many participants, especially women like Julia Nyakuach, this initiative marked the beginning of long-term change.
A Dream Deferred
At 31, Julia Nyakuach is the sole caregiver for her three children. With her husband absent since the start of the Sudan conflict, she relied on selling firewood in the local market just to survive.
“I would earn 5,400 SSP (€ 1) in a day, but that was never enough,” she shares. “Shopping for the children and school fees, it was always difficult.”
Despite the hardship, Julia always hoped to one day run a small tea stall, a business she saw as sustainable and dignified.
Building Dykes, Building Hope
That hope became attainable through a Cash-for-Work programme focused on constructing dykes to mitigate flooding in Lul. The initiative provided cash in exchange for labour.
“I was so excited, and I felt happy after learning about the programme,” Julia recalls.
Initially, some community members doubted her capacity to do the heavy work. “Some men said I wouldn’t be able to do the job, because digging is hard and needs strength, but I was ready to endure and work hard to earn cash to achieve my dream,” she says with a smile.
She worked alongside men on the frontlines of the dyke construction and was paid 677,000 SSP (€ 127), which she combined with a 200,000 SSP ((€38) loan to open her tea stall.
A Business Brews
Julia now operates a busy tea stall in the centre of Lul’s market. She earns up to 50,000 SSP (€9.50) per day, after rent, and no longer needs to gather firewood.
“Today, I’m proud,” Julia says. “This job assisted me in developing something to last. I save now between 15,000–20,000 SSP (€3 to €4) per day through a Village Savings and Loan Association supported by GOAL’s THRIVE project.”
With her savings growing, she hopes to build her own shelter to eliminate rent and is committed to helping maintain the community dykes using the tools provided during the project.
