The Lakes State ministry of culture, youth and sports, Rumbek Central County Youth Union, and Plan International on Wednesday officially opened a new livelihood incubation center in Rumbek to train youth in vocational skills and conflict management among others.
According to state officials, Plan International will run the center for the next three years before handing it over to the youth union.
The state minister of culture, youth, and sports, William Koji Kirjok, said the center which was constructed by Plan International with funding from the Federal Republic of Germany, will be used for training so that youth acquire productive skills.
“This center will be used to train the youth in computer use and other skills. Plan International will run it for the three-year duration of the project after which it will be handed over to the leadership of the youth of Rumbek Central County,” he said. “This is the first time for the youth of the state to have such a building. This center is going to give knowledge and skills to our youth.”
“I want the youth to be patient and cooperate so that we receive such assets as a state,” Koji added.
He said that his ministry is also engaging the youth in sports activities like wrestling and that local cultures are being revived.
For his part, the chairperson of the Rumbek Central County Youth Union, Deng Mayom Agal, appreciated Plan International for the construction of the youth center.
“I want to assure Plan International that the youth leadership and other stakeholders cooperate and follow your policies for the betterment of the youth,” he said. “I want to appeal to the country director that let your managers cooperate with us and abide by the rules of this community.”
“The training center will empower youth with skills and strengthen their capacity,” Mayom added.
Meanwhile, Plan International country director, Mohamed Kamal, said he was overjoyed to be invited to attend the launch ceremony.
“This is an occasion related to the present and future of the beloved South Sudan. All of you here are the present and future of this great country which is very rich in history and resources, but the most important resource is the young people, he said. “I promise you that I and my team at Plan International will do our best for the children, young people, women and elders, and people of South Sudan.”