Five Talents and two local partners in South Sudan, World Concern and the Episcopal Church of Sudan, first opened a community-owned bank in Lietnhom in 2009. In just a few weeks, a second community bank, pictured here, will open in Kuajok, the capital of Warrap state, South Sudan.

The bank in Lietnhom is called the "Amat Wuot Community Bank" and means "a union of communities" in Dinka, the local language. It has brought together members from various clans, including two clans that had fought only a year before the bank's formal dedication. In 2012, the bank welcomed its 800th share-holding member.

The Kuajok bank is expected to open within the next 30 days. Bank staff and leadership will be trained by their colleagues at Amat Wuot Community Bank.

Five Talents recently organized a small fundraiser to help cover the cost of the bank's new equipment. If you would like to make a donation, please click here.