Six youths, four males and two females, in Western Equatoria State’s Yambio County on Tuesday received business start-up grants after completing a three-month training program organized by the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI).
The beneficiaries were awarded the grants after successfully finishing courses in business skills, entrepreneurship, ICT, and conflict resolution. The initiative aims to equip young people with practical knowledge to start and manage small businesses while promoting peaceful coexistence.
Kumuri Joseph, WPDI’s Business Officer, said the organization has been training youth and women from Yambio and Maridi counties, with a focus on empowering them economically. He revealed that 85 youth in Yambio attended the latest training, 14 applied for the business competition, and six were selected as winners for the 2025 boot camp grants.
“We gave an open challenge and received 14 applications, but only six were declared winners,” Kumuri said, adding that the support is meant to boost local entrepreneurship and create income-generating opportunities.
Musa George Bari, one of the winners who received USD 1,500 for his spare parts business idea, said the training has opened new opportunities for young people.
“I encourage youth to join WPDI,” he said. “This money will help me achieve my goals, not for jokes.”
Another recipient, Mariam Simon Alex, who won USD 1,000, said she plans to start a fresh juice processing business.
“We were only two girls among four boys,” she stated. “I want to use this money wisely to support my family.”
Meanwhile, Simon Arama, who received USD 2,000 USD said he will invest the money in expanding his carpentry business.
“I urge the youth to stop being idle and use their skills and grow,” he said.
The winners expressed gratitude, saying the grants will help them turn their ideas into sustainable enterprises.
WPDI says the program is part of its broader efforts to empower young people across the country through peacebuilding and economic development.