Thousands of South Sudanese youth are expected to benefit from a new European Union funded project known as Empower to be launched this month with the aim of increasing youth employment and self-reliance.
The project according to the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Country Director Rehana Zawar, a partner organisation will bring “new opportunities to thousands of youth that are eager to learn work and build the future."
She said, "The youth of South Sudan are a huge untapped potential. They must be supported to access job training, employment and businesses opportunities.”
According to a statement by the NRC, the new project will provide vocational training, education and small scale support to about 4,400 South Sudanese youth. The trainings will be in the fields of construction, agriculture, dress making, hospitality, solar power systems, auto mechanics, tailoring among others.
The statement also states that more than 350 businesses run by youth across the country will receive funding and mentoring support to start-up or strengthen their businesses.
"Despite the challenges they've faced in their lives, many young people remain motivated, and they have the right attitude to move ahead. The Empower project will work hand-in-hand with local communities, youth, businesses, vocational training centres and teachers as well as local and national authorities," Zawar added.
The EU-funded project is being implemented in coordination with government authorities and partner agencies including Norwegian Refugee Council, ACROSS, BBC Media, Finn Church Aid, Nile Hope, and Vocational Skills Development Organisation (VOSDO).