12 youths complete technical, vocational training in Yambio

Twelve youths graduated from Charlotte Technical Training Institute in Yambio, Western Equatoria State, on Friday after completing technical and vocational education courses.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Gloria Mangu Anthony, the institute’s managing director, said they have successfully conducted three batches of training programs so far.

“We offer three-month and six-month certificate courses, as well as a one-year diploma program,” she said. “Today, we graduated students who completed both the one-year diploma and the six-month certificate in nutrition.”

Mangu added that the institute offers courses in Monitoring and Evaluation, Agriculture, Nutrition, Clinical Officer Training, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

She noted that the recent batch of graduates included five males and seven females, but highlighted that the institution faces challenges due to limited community support.

“Our biggest challenge is that the community does not value local institutions and parents prefer sending their children to East Africa for education instead of enrolling them here,” she lamented. “I encourage young people to visit our institute and see what we offer. We are working to introduce more programs, including another one-year diploma course, to expand learning opportunities.”

One of the graduates, Ueko Moses Sadoka, who completed the clinical nutrition course, said the program ran for one year and that they also spent eight months at the state hospital for practical training.

“However, we faced challenges such as a lack of tutors, limited teaching materials, and insufficient drugs during our practical sessions,” he said.

Another graduate, Emmanuel Juma Ramadan, 25, expressed excitement about receiving his certificate.

“I now have the knowledge and skills to help malnourished children,” he said, urging other youths to join similar programs to help their communities.

“This kind of training is essential for our state. It equips us with knowledge on proper nutrition and healthy living,” he stated. “I appeal to partners and stakeholders to support this institution to help it grow.”

The graduation ceremony is a significant step in promoting technical and vocational education in Western Equatoria State. It aims to address youth unemployment and foster community development through practical skills training.