Empowering South Sudanese youth through value-added training
The program, funded by the Kingdom of Netherlands, and delivered by UNDP in partnership with South Sudan Ministry of Labor, aims to equip locals with market-driven skills
By Aguok Chok
According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), unemployment in South Sudan is estimated at 11 percent of the population while youth unemployment is estimated at 50 percent.
And these levels continue to rise, an issue that drew key stakeholders to drawing board to unpack some of the alternatives that could avert this potential time bomb. And there was positive outcome.
In 2018, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in South Sudan signed an agreement with UNDP to support youth employment and empowerment across South Sudan.
The objectives of the project is to enhance the employability of youth and women, generate employment opportunities, and foster greater engagement of the private sector in agriculture and climate-smart value chains- with the end goal of poverty reduction and economic diversification.
To achieve these objectives, the project adopts a comprehensive approach that encompasses various interventions, including vocational training, career guidance, and support for the establishment of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSEs).
Thursday was a culmination of broader success to this initiative when, 750 South Sudanese graduated with quality skills, marking a significant step towards national development and empowerment.
The 750 young graduates from the Juba Multi-Service Training Center (MTC) were celebrated in a grand ceremony, a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to transform South Sudan’s youth into a driving force for national development.
Mr. Bouwe-Jan Smeding, Deputy Head of Mission – Embassy of Netherlands, opened the proceedings with a strong message about the importance of skill development. “It’s unfortunate that too many youths still lack the skills and experience needed for the country’s development. The most important part of this course is that you gained self-esteem, learned to work together, and built consensus
James Hoth, South Sudan’s Minister of Labour, also spoke, highlighting the significance of the day. “Graduating 750 students in different trades is crucial,” he said. “After two, three, four years, if we continue at this pace, half of the youth in South Sudan will have a skill.”
He praised the Kingdom of the Netherlands for their steadfast support, remarking, “They have not gone away from us, unlike other donors. They remain committed to guiding us in the right direction.”
Dr. Mohamed Abchir, UNDP Resident Representative, lauded the graduates and the collaborative efforts that made the day possible. “You are the future of South Sudan, and your success will drive the progress and development we all aspire to,” he asserted. Abchir extended his appreciation to the South Sudanese government and the Kingdom of Netherlands for their roles in empowering the youth. “This partnership and our initiatives envision the ability of women and youth to contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of this nation.”
The event highlighted the significant achievements of the Kingdom of Netherlands in collaboration with UNDP and the Ministry of Labour. Their joint efforts focusing on enhancing the employability of youth and women, generating employment opportunities, and fostering greater engagement of the private sector in agriculture and climate-smart value chains.
As the ceremony concluded, Smeding encouraged the graduates to embrace their newfound skills and confidence, while Abchir emphasized the importance of ongoing support and investment in youth empowerment. The event was a celebration of progress, a call to action, and a hopeful glance towards a future where South Sudan’s youth play a central role in shaping their nation’s destiny.
