South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
Mat Lam, a young man from Akobo County in Jonglei State, has turned to boat-making as a means of survival in a community where youth unemployment is rampant. His initiative is gaining recognition from local communities and government officials as an innovative approach to tackling joblessness. “I had to find a way to survive,” he said.
In Jonglei State’s Akobo County, the steady rhythm of hammers and the scent of fresh timber fill the air. With few employment opportunities, more young people are now venturing into boat-making to support their families.
On a warm morning, a reporter from The Dawn visited Mat Lam’s workshop, where he stood over a newly crafted wooden boat.
“I learned by practising and never giving up. This work keeps my family fed, and I feel proud to make something useful,” he shared.
What started as a personal effort has grown into a movement recognized by the community and local authorities, offering a promising solution to youth unemployment.
“It’s not just about money,” Mat continued. “When floods come and people need to move, these boats save lives. I want to be useful to my community. I grew up seeing people struggle, so I don’t want the next generation to feel the same helplessness.”
Dressed in black, clothes speckled with wood shavings, Mat lifts his hammer with quiet confidence—a man shaping his destiny through craftsmanship.
He sells each boat for five million South Sudanese Pounds (SSP). “This month alone, I made ten boats, earning 50,000,000 SSP. The income helps me send my children to school and pay their medical bills. The amount varies depending on how many boats I construct,” he explained.
Mat was the first in his neighborhood to venture into boat and board construction—a skill rarely seen among Akobo’s youth. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “Ever since I was young, I wanted to create something useful for my community. Making boats seemed impossible at first, but I knew that if I learned the skills, I could not only support my family but also teach others.”
Despite challenges like scarce timber and limited tools, Mat’s workshop has become a hub for young men seeking opportunity. Local leaders view his work as more than a trade; it symbolizes resilience.
“This initiative has brought pride to our community,” said community elder Peter Duol. “For years, our youth felt forgotten, but now they are gaining skills and dignity. Mat has shown that hope can be built with bare hands and determination.”
Women’s representative Nyamal Ruach added, “When young people find a way to support themselves, the whole community benefits. Crime decreases, families survive, and children stay in school. What Mat is doing is not just boat-making; he is shaping a better future for Akobo.”
His pride is not loud, but steady and grounded, like the boats that now carry families and traders across Akobo waters.
Mat’s vision extends beyond his own household. “If I can do it, others can too,” he said. “I want to teach more young people so they can support themselves and their families. Skills give hope.”
His apprentice, John Jock Nyut, shared, “I never thought I could learn a skill like this. Lam has taught me how to make something useful and earn a living. I feel proud and hopeful for the future. Mat shows that with skill and hard work, we can create opportunities even when times are tough.”
Jock stated that Mat’s work demonstrates that skills and hard work can be cultivated among the youth.
“Mat shows that with skill and hard work, we can create opportunities even when times are tough. His dedication is a lesson for all young people here.”
According to a 2025 Plan International report, youth make up nearly 72% of South Sudan’s population, with an unemployment rate of 18.65%. Skills-based projects like Mat’s provide practical pathways for young people to support themselves while contributing to their communities.
Akobo County Commissioner James Kueth Makuach described the youth-led boat-making initiative as a first for the area.
“It helps young people address unemployment, keeps them engaged, and discourages involvement in wrongdoing. The government will continue to support youth efforts and encourage organizations to back these initiatives.”
Boats are commonly used by fishermen in Akobo County for fishing, making this trade both practical and essential. Through the work of Mat Lam and his apprentices, the story of survival in Akobo now has a human face—a tale of resilience, mentorship, and determination.
This story is reported with the grant from journalists for human rights under the Tackling Mis/Disinformation project,’ funded by the peace and stabilization program of the government of Canada.
