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Southern Sudanese in California Raise Funds For Development Back Home

   The  executive  director  of the Southern Sudanese Community Center in
   San  Diego,  California,  says  remittances  by Diaspora Sudanese have
   substantially  improved  the  economy  and  the  standard of living of
   families back home.

   Peter Clottey 08 April 2010

   The  executive  director  of the southern Sudanese community center in
   San  Diego,  California,  says  remittances  by Diaspora Sudanese have
   substantially  improved  the  economy  and  the  standard of living of
   families back home.

   Chuol  Tut  said the group is planning fundraising events in may aimed
   at building schools and health institutions in southern Sudan.

   âThe  people in Diaspora right now they are supporting the people back
   home  in Sudan and they normally send them money.  Because of the war
   in  Sudan,  there is no cultivation, no place to live and no shelterâ¦
   so  the  [Sudanese living abroad] contribute to making the people live
   better in Sudan,â Tut said.

   In a 2009 report, the United Nations Human Development Index estimated
   that  about  US$  1,769  million  in remittances were sent to Sudan in
   2007.  The  report also stated âremittances, which are usually sent to
   immediate  family  members  who have stayed behind, are among the most
   direct  benefits  from  migration;  their benefits spread broadly into
   local economies.â

   Tut said monies sent home have had a positive impact because âformerly
   there  was  no education in Sudanâ¦and people here raise money to send
   back  home  in  order for the young kids to have just basic education,
   clean water, and health care,â Tut said.

   Some  studies  have concluded that remittances provide income for food
   and shelter during economic downturns.

   Tut  said  improved  security  in  Sudan could significantly boost the
   positive impact remittances have on Sudanâs economy.

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