A New Beginning for Pidor Kueth

When conflict left former trader Pidor Kueth with a permanent disability, he lost both his livelihood and his confidence. Through the THRIVE project, he was able to start a new livelihood in fishing, earn an income again and regain his place within his family and community. His story shows how targeted support can help people rebuild their lives with dignity.

For years, Pidor Kueth earned a living as a trader in Akobo, South Sudan. Moving between communities, buying and selling goods, he was able to provide for his family and plan for the future. Then, an intercommunal conflict changed everything.

An injury left him permanently disabled, making it impossible to continue the work he had relied on throughout his life. Overnight, he lost not only his livelihood, but also his confidence.

“I had been an able-bodied man my whole life,” he recalls. “Suddenly, I wondered how I would provide for my children.”

His story reflects the challenges faced by many people in South Sudan, where conflict, climate shocks and limited economic opportunities make it difficult for communities to build secure and sustainable livelihoods.

Supporting communities to thrive

To address these challenges, the THRIVE project supports communities in strengthening their resilience and building sustainable livelihoods. Funded by UK Aid and implemented by a consortium led by GOAL, the project brings together several partners, including Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Suisse (VSF-Suisse), to help vulnerable households recover from shocks and create new economic opportunities.

THRIVE works with pastoralists, agro-pastoralists and fishing communities, supporting them to diversify their livelihoods, strengthen their resilience to climate change and improve their economic prospects. The project also places a strong emphasis on social inclusion, ensuring that women, youth and people living with disabilities can participate in and benefit from livelihood opportunities.

A new beginning through fishing

Fishing offered an alternative source of income, one that required less physical strength than his previous work. However, like many people in his community, Pidor lacked the resources needed to get started.

Without a canoe, fishing nets or hooks, reaching productive fishing grounds was impossible.

Through the THRIVE project, his fishing group received the equipment needed to begin operating effectively. Recognising the additional barriers faced by people living with disabilities, the project prioritised their inclusion in livelihood support activities.

The impact was immediate.

“Before, my house was empty of food. Now I provide for my family with my own hands. My children are back in school because of this work.”

More than a livelihood

For Pidor, the benefits go far beyond income. Being able to contribute to his family again has restored a sense of dignity and belonging.

“I am recognised again. I am included again,” he says.

Today, he is part of a group of 30 fishers working together to grow their business. Members share responsibilities between fishing and marketing, ensuring that the activity generates income throughout the year.

Their ambitions continue to grow. They hope to expand into vegetable production, open small businesses and sell their fish beyond Akobo to larger markets in South Sudan and across East Africa.

Building resilience for the future

For VSF-Suisse and its partners, stories like Pidor’s demonstrate the importance of investing in livelihoods as a pathway to resilience.

Through THRIVE, communities are not only receiving support to recover from crises. They are gaining the tools, skills and opportunities needed to build a more secure future for themselves and their families.

As Pidor puts it:

“We are no longer just surviving. We are building a future.”

Watch the short film in which Pidor shares his story

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