ACROSS South Sudan, a national non-governmental organization supported by the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), over the weekend concluded a comprehensive two-day technical advisory committee training in Rumbek, Lakes State.
The training brought together 46 participants from the five counties of Wulu, Rumbek East, Yirol West, Rumbek Central, and Yirol East and was held at Rumbek Gochien Hotel.
Andrew Marial Meen, the ACROSS team leader in Lakes State, said the workshop was part of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) project that was launched last year and will be implemented in 5 counties.
“This time we formed a committee called the technical advisory committee at the state level and it comprised 12 members who are going to oversee the implementation of all the work at the community and state levels,” he explained. “We also have some committees at the county levels and they also have to work with ACROSS South Sudan to make sure the selection and other works that are going to be done are by the plan.”
For his part, Manyang Aruor, the director general for Public Labor and Public Service in Lakes State, said the implementation will that now that the training has been done.
“Today marks the end of our training in Gochien Hotel,” he said. “We have learned a lot and we are returning to our centers and shall immediately start our work.”
Meanwhile, Enock Machuoc Mayom, the director of education in Rumbek East County and deputy chairperson of the TVET committee in the county, emphasized the importance of skills acquisition.
“We encourage our people to follow education from primary to secondary school and the university. It is not knowledge alone but skills are also very important,” he advised. “Those who provide us with wooden chairs, tables, and beds are those who were trained by TVET. We need this training to continue across all of Lakes State. TVET is like playing football where there are many cross-cutting issues involved.”
Kaltuma Andrea Allahjabo, a participant in the training, expressed optimism about the impact of the skills they gained.
“We want our children to learn vocational skills from these training sessions, Andrea said. “When I go back, I will pass this information to the people of Wulu County that we have not only been trained but that we have brought the benefits to share with the community.”
According to Peter Gum, the director general of the Lakes State Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, the participants learned how to monitor TVET activities.
“They were trained in leadership and how to monitor the activities in the TVET. The training is very good and appreciated ACROSS South Sudan and UNESCO and I encourage our people to apply for this training,” he said. “People living with disabilities will also be encouraged to participate in the area where they can get skills to earn a living. It is going to be inclusive and very helpful and we advise our communities to take the TVET project seriously.”