The Northern Bahr al Ghazal state minister of education said on Friday he hopes to open a leadership oriented vocational school.

Valentino Achak Deng said such a school is needed in the state to encourage innovation, creativity, and a sense of ownership among children and youth.

The official made a particular reference to a school he founded in his village of Marialbai.

“They have a school farm, have planted mango trees, have learned how to manufacture body jelly, school chalks, candles, bathing and washing soaps, and are now making double decker beds for themselves," he said of the students at Marialbai.

"These activities make economic sense that when funded would lead to establishment of a leadership oriented vocational programs at Marialbai secondary school," he added.