At least 30 students have graduated from a vocational training center in Pochalla County of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area after competing in 3-month courses in tailoring, hairdressing, and beauty therapy.
The students, including 23 females and seven males, who graduated on Wednesday were trained courtesy of the Finn Church Aid (FCA).
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj after the graduation ceremony Wednesday, several students said the skills acquired will help change their livelihoods for the rest of their lives.
18-year-old Abang Lero Aballa said she will now fend for herself after receiving the tailoring skill.
“In the tailoring section, we are 15, including six boys. We started this training on December 11, and Wednesday we were graduated. They divided us into two groups and each group was given four tailoring machines. We are happy because now we can make a living for ourselves,” she said.
She called for the extension of the training for others who were not able to join the program in December.
Another student, Daniel Jayi, could not hide his happiness, saying his hairdressing skill will serve the community.
“I started this work of shaving when I was eighteen years old but all this time I have been using razor blades and combs. Now, I received a machine and I am trained on how to use it for shaving. This will change my life,” he said.
For his part, Wani Justin, FCA’s livelihood consultant trainer, said the graduates have acquired life skills for self-sustenance.