Co-operatives

Refugees in the settlements are not allowed to work outside of their settlements, and yet they must pay fees and provide uniforms and other expenses for their children to attend school. 

SSLCD has responded by providing start-up costs for more than ten co-operative businesses.  Current co-ops produce soap, sewing/embroidery, chickens and eggs, a beauty salon, solar power for lights and phone charging, and a micro loan program.

One of the most recent co-ops was an animal raising/slaughtering business in each settlement for men who are returning to the settlements without a defined role in the family or the community.  Co-ops give refugees an opportunity to use their skills to make a living for themselves and their families.