Empowering South Sudanese Youth Through TVET: ACROSS Graduates 513 in Five Counties.
From December 2nd to 6th, 2024, ACROSS South Sudan proudly celebrated the second batch graduation of 513 (246 male, 267 female) vulnerable youth, including a significant number of young women, across five counties of: Rumbek Central, Rumbek East, Yirol East, Yirol West, and Wulu. These graduations marked the culmination of a transformative three-month Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program designed to equip participants with market-aligned skills to foster economic growth and improve livelihoods.
A Week of Celebration and Inspiration
The celebrations kicked off in Rumbek Central with dignitaries gracing the event, including the Hon. Minister of General Education & Instructions for Lakes State (Hon. Nelson Makoi Makur), the Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment (Hon. Poth Majak Daljang), the Acting County Commissioner of Rumbek Central County, DG Ben Waigo from the National Ministry of Labour, Public Service & Human Resources Development, and other key stakeholders.
Graduates expressed immense gratitude to God, the government, the peaceful leadership of Lakes State Governor H.E Rin Tueny Mabor, their trainers, ACROSS, and its funding partner, UNESCO, for enabling this life-changing opportunity. “I am truly grateful to ACROSS and UNESCO for the skills imparted in us for free,” said one participant. “The training has transformed us, especially in mobile TVET. We can now produce vegetables, fish for income and consumption, and provide animal vaccination services for a fee. We are now empowered!”
Practical Skills for Economic Empowerment
The TVET program focused on hands-on, practical training tailored to meet South Sudan’s job market needs. Graduates gained skills in areas such as Agriculture, Tailoring & Garment cutting, Computer (ICT), Masonry, Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy, Bakery, Catering, Saloon for Men, Auto-Mechanics (Motorcycle and Small engines repair), Blacksmith, Knitting, Solar Electricity, Fishing, and Animal vaccination. Masonry trainees from Rumbek Vocational Training Center showcased their newly acquired skills by constructing a toilet block, officially opened during the celebrations.
Yirol West graduates symbolized their appreciation by gifting ACROSS and the Hon. Minister of General Education mango seedlings, to be planted on TVET land donated by the county. This gesture not only reflected gratitude but also emphasized sustainability and community impact.
Voices of Leadership and Support
Addressing the graduates, ACROSS’ Head of Finance and Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Bambu Duku Banja, highlighted the transformative potential of TVET. “TVET is the shortest educational pathway that can change lives within a short period. Use your skills productively and promote entrepreneurship within your communities,” he urged.
The Acting County Commissioner of Rumbek Central echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that empowering youth with such skills is vital for South Sudan’s development. “With over 70% of our population being youth, these programs open doors for employment and entrepreneurship, driving economic diversification and growth,” he stated.
Expanded Impact
The ripple effects of the TVET programs extend beyond the graduands:
- Reduced Crime and GBV: With youth actively engaged in the labor market, crimes and gender-based violence (GBV) have significantly decreased in the communities.
- Instructor Capacity Building: A total of 42 TVET instructors underwent capacity-building training, enhancing the quality of skills delivery.
- Data Management Training: Forty-five officers (40 male, 5 female) were trained in TVET Management Information System (TVET-MIS), resulting in improved data collection and quality assurance.
- Economic Empowerment through VSLA: Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) were established, fostering a saving culture among youth, who now save part of their earnings, thereby improving their livelihoods.
- Strengthened Coordination: Collaboration between Lakes State’s line ministries and ACROSS has led to improved governance and coordination of TVET programs.
A Call for Sustainability
The graduates appealed for an extension of the program’s duration from three to six months to deepen their knowledge and skills. Their request underscores the high demand and impact of TVET in South Sudan.
This milestone reaffirms ACROSS’ commitment to empowering youth, fostering entrepreneurship, and supporting community development. As the mango seedlings take root, they symbolize the enduring impact of these programs in nurturing resilience and self-reliance among South Sudan’s youth.
