Africa-Press – South-Sudan. A project aimed at providing hundreds of young people and women with skills training and career guidance has been launched in Eastern Equatoria State.
The initiative, known as the Seed for Youth project, is valued at more than $230,000 and will be run by the organisation Hope Africa South Sudan.
It is backed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the Netherlands government.
Officials said on Friday that the one-year scheme would target more than 800 beneficiaries in Torit County, focusing on school dropouts.
Programme officer Ochaya Bosco told Radio Tamazuj that a lack of direction was a major cause of unemployment in the area.
“This project is targeting 810 beneficiaries, including youth and young women who have unfortunately dropped out of school,” he said. “Our primary aim is to enhance their skills and provide job placement opportunities.”
While the project was welcomed by local authorities, some officials expressed concern over its short duration.
Dominica Idwa Vitale, Director General of the State Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, said she was disappointed that many projects were “short-term.”
“What we truly need are initiatives lasting two to five years that can yield lasting benefits,” she emphasised.
The Executive Director of Torit County, Cyprian Michael Oling, highlighted the dangers of youth idleness, saying it often leads to criminal activities.
He urged the project organisers to ensure participants received not just training, but also the resources to use their new skills.
The State Minister of Labor and Public Service, Dominic Otwari, commended the initiative and pledged his ministry’s support.
“Given the current idleness among our youth, comprehensive training initiatives such as this will undoubtedly foster productive engagement,” he said.
The project is scheduled to run for one year.
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