Reflections from Nyanachiek, an internally displaced South Sudanese artisan

Meet Nyanachiek! She is an internally displaced South Sudanese woman living in Juba, South Sudan. Nyanachiek has been working with Roots, a MADE51 social enterprise partner, for eight years. She specialises in beadwork, a traditional skill passed down from her mother, and supports Roots with storekeeping, training artisans, and quality control for large orders. 

On World Refugee Day 2023, Nyanachiek spoke remotely at a MADE51 Event at the UK House of Lords, and in December she attended the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, which is held every four years and is the world’s largest gathering on refugees. 

“I’m proud and thankful for being part of MADE51, and sharing my skills with the world during the second Global Refugee Forum (GRF) held in Geneva, Switzerland in 2023. It's a moment that I will live to remember, for it has ignited the passion for artistry in me and has given me real hope, restoring my resilience and confidence. I’m very thankful to UNHCR for this wonderful event and facilitation.

When I returned home, despite challenges, I tried to make a living through the same skills, continuing to raise my kids but equally supporting others, including refugees through skills training. I have been doing that for the past few years through the sponsorship of MADE51, which I will forever remain grateful for.

I was so thrilled while in Geneva at the GRF 2023, witnessing different stories from the corners of the world on how refugees' actions continue to make meaningful contributions in people’s lives.

Although I have had difficulties and continue to face challenges, coupled with raising my kids alone, I was moved by the stories at the Nansen Award ceremony from refugees who—out of difficulties— are still trying their best to help others. They are building capacities, raising the new generation through education, and utilizing peace-building approaches to bridge the divide among the communities, setting the path to peaceful living. It's my hope that my country will be more peaceful some day, so that the next generation (my children included) will live in peace.

During the event, I enjoyed interacting with people from different cultures who gave me new ideas about how I can use my artisanal skills with diverse cultures (especially refugees in South Sudan and anywhere else when I'm able) to help them, too, gain artistry skills to become more resilient and earn an income. There are many women in camps who would benefit from these skills and from channeling their products through MADE51 to earn a living, send their children to school, and have more access to medical care, food, etc.

I remain thankful to MADE51 team and UNHCR at large for the support, hospitality, and facilitation that allowed me to be part of this global event and showcase my skills, as well as learn from others. Thank you very much."

A big thanks to Nyanachiek for sharing her reflections with us. 

If you would like to shop to support other internally displaced people and refugees in South Sudan working with Roots, click here.