Germany has donated €4.5 million to support Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus Project in Greater Bahr el Ghazal, the embassy in Juba said in a statement.

Dr. Björn Niere, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany said a key component of the project is the implementation of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) center in Aweil.

The project, implemented by World Vision, in collaboration with ACDF (Action for Children Development Foundation) South Sudan, primarily benefits Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees, children, and women,” the statement read in part.

Dr Niere said the first cohort of nearly 100 young adults in Aweil East and Aweil North counties in Northern Bahr el Ghazal have completed their trainings in various fields including carpentry, motor vehicle mechanics, hairdressing, tailoring, and computer studies.

“With their newly acquired skills, 92 TVET graduates, including 50 women, are now equipped to enhance business opportunities and services in their communities.”

The envoy was speaking at a TVET graduation ceremony, held in Akuem payam in Aweil East over the weekend.

Present were; Dr. Mesfin Loha, Country Director of World Vision South Sudan, Regina Ajok Deng, Executive Director of Action for Children Development Foundation (ACDF) South Sudan, and key government stakeholders.

Dr. Niere expressed his pride in witnessing the remarkable achievement made possible through the German development cooperation.

He encouraged the graduates to continue learning and to use their new skills to serve their communities while emphasizing that the certificates they received was the starting point for successful careers.

For his part, Dr. Mesfin Loha, thanked the Government for supporting World Vision’s efforts to reach the most vulnerable people in South Sudan, particularly those-affected by the conflict in the region.

He reaffirmed World Vision’s commitment to contribute to the protection of South Sudan’s future generations by focusing on programs that ensure children are well-nourished and thriving.

He urged the graduates to seize the opportunity they have been given to change their lives and support communities in Northern Bahr El Ghazal.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Andrew Awech Garang, a graduate in auto mechanics said, “We will use the new skills acquired over the past six months. This is a commitment to our families and communities. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Germany, World Vision and ACDF for your generosity and kindness. We are now capable of crafting furniture, processing data, tailoring dresses and styling hair.”

The project seeks to benefit at least 64,000 residents directly and more than 110,000 others indirectly.