Economic Growth South Sudan Project #5493

Help Mercy Corps Turn Crisis Into Opportunity

by Mercy Corps

Help Mercy Corps Turn Crisis Into Opportunity

Project Report | Aug 4, 2025
Displaced, yet determined

By Mercy Corps | Mercy Corps

Displaced, forced to flee, uprooted from all they had known. From Palestine to Ukraine and Myanmar to Sudan, more than 122.1 million people across the globe have been forced from their homes —the highest such number in a decade—fueled by wide-reaching ongoing violent conflicts. People now find themselves in a new place not knowing if they'll ever be able to return home, having left most everything behind, and hoping to rebuild their lives elsewhere.

We recognize refugees’ enormous struggle. We also celebrate their courage and tenacity. In that spirit, this year we are sharing the stories of two refugees at Bidi Bidi refugee settlement in Uganda, Rose and Festo. Despite the challenges of fleeing war in South Sudan and starting over, both are determined to build a path to a brighter future.

Read their stories and find out how you can support refugees’ determination, drive, dreams – and help them build strong and thriving communities.

Displaced, yet daring to dream

Nearly nine years ago, Rose and her four children fled by foot from their home in South Sudan when conflict erupted. They arrived at Bidi Bidi refugee settlement in Uganda, the largest refugee camp in Africa and home to more than 250,000 refugees.

Rose has partnered with two women to grow sesame on about three acres of land. Supported by a Mercy Corps and Village Enterprise program, they have also started a savings and loans group, where each member contributes a small amount on a weekly basis so they can draw loans to help with shortfalls. “I am able to support my home and take care of my children,” said Rose. “When the [sesame] is ready, I am able to solve my challenges.”

With the income she earns from farming, Rose is hoping she can save enough to send one of her daughters to boarding school in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. With each sesame harvest, Rose is growing more opportunities for her children.

Displaced, yet driven to rebuild

“Ever since I joined this program, I have been able to save some money,” said Festo, who lives in Bidi Bidi refugee settlement with his mother, wife, and children. “I am able to get a loan from the group and operate my business.” Like Rose, Festo arrived by foot to Uganda almost nine years ago and had struggled to find opportunities to support his family. As a Mercy Corps and Village Enterprise program participant, Festo and his business partners sell silver fish, a high nutrient food that is popular in the settlement.

In addition to his small business, Festo is the vice chairperson of his local savings and loan group, supported by Mercy Corps. Through group training, he’s learned how to best manage and save income. With the extra money that Festo saved, he has purchased chickens, goats, and school supplies for his children. “I am happy with the [program] because it has changed my life,” said Festo.

Rebuilding lives and livelihoods is a community effort. At Bidi Bidi camp, the refugee residents understand that a rising tide lifts all boats—not just for their friends and neighbors within the settlement but also for the local host community. “It has united both the refugees and host community as one,” said Festo. “We realized that we are one. We now share with one another."

Mercy Corps supports refugees on a path to self-reliance

Since 2021, Mercy Corps alongside our partner Village Enterprise have brought the DREAMS program to more than 72,000 people within the Bidi Bidi and Rhino settlements in Uganda.

The program’s unique approach helps refugees obtain the skills, connections, and capital they need to establish their businesses while also collaborating with local markets to build a network where refugee entrepreneurs can succeed. DREAMS is just one example of how Mercy Corps is supporting refugee communities to rebuild and rebound into tomorrow and beyond.

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