The Integrated Participatory Approach to Development is fuelled by 8 key objectives. In other words, our name says it all. We support Integration, Participation, a unique Approach, and Development. These 4 key pillars are what we believe will uplift conflict-affected communities in South Sudan.

With this goal in mind, our 8 key objectives include the following:-

1. Disaster Risk Reduction

Conflict and turmoil has been shown to have long lasting effects on populations around the world. In South Sudan, a long history of conflict has particularly affected men, women and children.

One of our key objectives is to provide timely relief to disaster-affected communities in the country. By assistance coming in a timely manner, we’re able to ensure early recovery and timely rehabilitation. Indeed, many humanitarian organizations provide assistance months or years after a conflict breaks out. The result of this delayed help is psychological turmoil, economic hardship, and the disproportional suffering of women and children.

Our disaster risk reduction approach is an integrated approach that helps alleviate these risks. We target affected communities early on- and provide timely rehabilitation/recovery services. We also partner with governmental and non-governmental institutions so as to increase our outreach to as many communities as possible.

2. Promoting Productive Livelihoods

After a conflict, it’s simply not enough to offer disaster recovery services. The community will also need to rebuild and restore the time lost due to turmoil. This is why IPAD promotes productive livelihoods- so as to encourage the local population to become involved in rebuilding their lives.

We believe that by providing disaster-resilient livelihood options, we can help communities become self-sufficient over time. Empowering conflict-affected communities also puts them in a position to take control of their future and become involved in making key decisions.

3. Promotion of education

Education is critical to the rebuilding of any community. By providing educational opportunities, the youth can obtain essential skills that they will bring back to their homes. Furthermore, IPAD focuses on educating the girl child. As the popular African saying goes, “when you educate a girl, you educate an entire village.”

This belief is what fuels IPAD to promote access to education for conflict-affected communities in South Sudan.

4. Gender Equality

One of the most significant effects of conflict is gender inequality. Indeed, women are always disproportionally affected by violence, lack of resources, and poor health conditions. One of IPAD’s key objectives is to promote gender equality and women empowerment. In particular, we address Gender-based violence issues that often arise from conflict zones.

Promoting the rights of women is a comprehensive task. It involves multiple stakeholders, resource allocation, breaking down cultural norms, and educating the community about the important role that women play. This is why IPAD works tirelessly to elevate women and address the disproportional challenges they face.

5. Accessibility to clean drinking water and sanitary facilities  

Lack of clean water is a significant barrier to community health and development. This is why IPAD promotes access to clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and community infrastructure.

By partnering with governmental and other community organizations, we initiate projects such as borehole drilling, building toilets, and developing infrastructure that will support community wellbeing. Our past projects have involved building homes, marketplaces, schools, and community centres.

6. Child protection and promoting the rights of children

Aside from women, children are the biggest casualties of conflict. The rights of children are often infringed upon when there’s turmoil- and the result is child abuse, marginalization, and lack of access to key resources. IPAD recognizes the plight of children and is at the forefront of protecting children’s rights, promoting youth development, and preventing marginalization.

This integrated approach requires community involvement and access to resources. Because we’re active within the conflict-affected communities of South Sudan, we understand the plight of children on a first-hand basis. Therefore, IPAD is committed to uplift the rights of children and youth who have been affected by instability.

In most cases, having a community with oppressed and unproductive youth will result in a cycle of poverty. This is why IPAD takes child protection and development so seriously. Uplifting the youth is critical towards sustaining future generations.

7. Promotion of environmental protection

Climate change is slowly affecting the health and sustainability of communities in South Sudan. From changing weather patterns to increased levels of pollution, the risks of climate change are real- and they warrant immediate attention. This is why

IPAD is at the forefront of promoting environmental protection and addressing issues surrounding climate change. Being on the ground, we know how much unpredictable weather patterns can affect community wellbeing. Our timely environmental projects are aimed at mitigating these risks and promoting sustainability.

8. Increasing access to health facilities and addressing HIV/AIDS

A healthy community is a productive community. However, conflict almost always results in widespread health complications. From communicable to water-borne diseases, poor health standards are a significant risk in conflict zones.

IPAD promotes the development of basic health facilities, where local community members can receive timely and quality healthcare. We partner with health organizations such as WHO and UNICEF to make community health a reality.

Furthermore, IPAD also promotes HIV/AIDS awareness. We champion for the prevention of infections while supporting families that have been affected by the disease.