The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) on Monday launched a cash-for-work program for the youth in Wau town in Western Bahr el State.
The program which targets 300 youth from the five blocks within Wau Municipal Council aims at encouraging gang members to shun violence and become productive members of the community.
The cash-for-work youth program includes filling potholes in and cleaning markets in Wau town.
Addressing the youth during the launch of the program, CEPO’s state coordinator, Stephen Robo, urged the youth to work for the purpose of creating development rather than being known for violence.
“What I want from you is to show the community your strength and commitment and that you should not be known for violence,” he urged. “Demonstrate your responsibility because the nation needs your energy. Nobody will come from outside to work for the development of your city.”
Some of the youth who spoke to Radio Tamazuj during the launch said they have embraced the program so that the community will recognize them as productive members of the community.
Eton Daniel Dominic said the youth of Block C chose to work on the road from the auction market to Mark’s Bridge because it is in a bad state.
“We have chosen to work on the road from the auction market to Mark’s bridge because it is big and its condition is not good,” he said. “Nobody thought of it but we the youth have decided to work here and fill the potholes with stones and dredge the water channels so that vehicles can easily pass.”
Another youth, Monica Paul, said they have not been empowered to do creative works.
“Let me tell you that we are known by our groups but I want to say that we are not for violence and we can help and do developments,” she said. “The work that we are doing now is for our nation.”
Meanwhile, Wau Deputy Mayor Roweda Rajab Suleiman welcomed the initiative by CEPO and IOM.
“CEPO and IOM have managed to translate to the public that the niggers (gangs) who have been a menace to the community have become productive,” she said.
The deputy mayor pledged that her office will support the ongoing works by the youth through the provision of food and other materials needed for their effort.
The project is financed by the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund and implemented by the IOM’s Transitional Recovery Unit.