Sudan

In April 2009, Videre launched its first microfinance site in Yei, South Sudan. In a country devastated by 21 years of war, with little infrastructure, economic and political instability, and a 97% illiteracy rate, South Sudan might have been the least likely place for Videre to start any form of business-related venture. However, feeling called to go, Videre started a microfinance pilot program through the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, an indigenous church in Yei, handing out loans to 89 loan recipients and averaging $156 per loan. With this money, loan recipients have grown their businesses and generated profits to feed their families, bought medicine when sick, and paid for school fees. Businesses range from selling fish in the open market to weaving sweaters to building mud huts. But even more important than economic gain is that 89 loan recipients have heard the Good News of Christ’s redemption and restoration of them and their country.

As Videre ran its pilot in Sudan, it recognized the need for basic business and vocational training in order for microloans to be truly effective in that region. The success of microfinance is dependent on the assumption that the poor have the ability to create viable micro-businesses that generate substantial profit. Often, the poverty does not start at the capital level but at the entrepreneurial-thinking level. Looking forward, Videre is hoping to implement a business as mission program in place of the traditional microfinance program by mobilizing men and women with business and entrepreneurial talents to train, disciple and equip the local people to share the Gospel through viable businesses.

Currently, Videre has halted its operations in Sudan and will re-evaluate its position to restart a program in Sudan after the referendum, which is expected to take place in January 2011. You can read about the referendum here.