350 South Sudanese youth who completed various courses on empowerment at Yei Vocational Training College were on Wednesday urged to apply the different skills they acquired.
The graduates were trained on auto-mechanic and driving, electrical installation, water plumbing, tailoring, basic mechanics, hair dressing and beauty therapy, catering and hotel management courses.
Speaking at the ceremony, the college principal, Logulomo Morris applauded the partners for supporting vocational training programs and urged the graduates to apply the skills needed to transform society.
“Vocational trainings are very important because jobs are available in the market. Now that you have the tools, go and open your own business initiatives in bakery, tailoring, construction and contribute to developing South Sudan and our communities,” he said.
Juan Margret, the state director general for education, said government will support vocational training programs in the state.
“You have spent three or nine months being trained and these skills are given to you for a purpose. The government is working hard to open another vocational training school to train more youth for skilled human resource for development,” she noted.
On his part, the Bishop of the Episcopal diocese of Yei, Hillary Luate Adeba, urged the graduates to be job creators. The religious leader urged the government to prioritize vocational training programs.
“The government should seriously think on this because there are thousands of graduates on the streets of Juba and Yei without jobs. We need to give the young people more practical skills,” Luate said.
Joseph Kenyi, an auto-mechanic and driving graduate, urged the government to support vocational training programs to empower the youth. “We are ready to apply what we have learned into action to help change communities in Yei River State and beyond,” he said.
The training was sponsored by Terres De Homes (TDH), Church Missionaries Society (CMS) and United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).