South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
At least 160 youth have acquired technical and business skills aimed at improving their livelihoods.
The training was sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Patrick Egan, the chief of party for Education Development Centre (EDC) in Juba, said the youth empowerment program was designed by USAID as a second chance opportunity for many youth that miss opportunities due to problems beyond their control.
“160 young people are graduating today in Juba before October, the USAID youth empowerment activity will graduate 1500 in Juba and across the country,” said Egan on Monday during the graduation ceremony held at Juba Day Secondary School.
The Education Development Centre operates in Upper Nile, Jonglei, Unity, Eastern Equatoria and Western Equatoria States.
The EDC is expected to graduate 14000 trainees in the first two years.
“When USAID designed this program they wanted to move away from humanitarian assistance and dependency to help the youth of South Sudan stand on their own two feet, they want to give them tools to be able to succeed for themselves and their families,” said Egan.
Agnes Kiden Yosa, a beneficiary applauded both the government and USAID for providing the training that has equipped them with skills.
“I am really so much happy because I am today standing with much courage and confidence, just because I am a product of youth empowerment activity, and with the skills that I have acquired I am now running a business,” said Yosa.
Johannes Araya, the Deputy Mission Director for USAID in South Sudan said the trained young South Sudanese will be role models and more active contributors towards development activities in their communities.
Araya said the duty of preparing youth to constructively participate in the affairs of the country is a responsibility of the transitional unity government.
She urged the government to invest public resources in the education sector to ensure teachers are paid on time.
“There is no better way to change South Sudan than to inspire, train and educate youth to believe they can make a positive difference. USAID through Youth Empowerment Activity program is helping youth across 14 counties in 6 States to realize their potential both personally and in the communities,” said Araya.
