The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), working with local partners and state authorities, has launched a civic education campaign in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state aimed at youth empowerment and crime prevention.
The program is being implemented in collaboration with the Aweil Social Center, the state Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare and the Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Human Rights Commission.
Keziah Barasa, UNDP’s rule of law officer based in Aweil, said the initiative focuses on raising awareness among young people and communities about citizenship, the rule of law and staying away from criminal activities.
“UNDP is promoting a collaborative approach with the Aweil Social Center to strengthen civic engagement, ensure youth understand their rights and responsibilities, and encourage them to be law-abiding citizens,” Barasa told Radio Tamazuj on Sunday.
Christopher Door, manager of the Aweil Social Center, said his organization is committed to working closely with communities to address harmful practices, including gender-based violence, early and forced marriages and other crimes.
“Aweil Social Center engages local communities in activities focused on preventing gender-based violence, promoting the rule of law and strengthening crime control at the grassroots level across Northern Bahr el Ghazal state,” Door said in a statement shared on social media.
Ker Wel, a representative of the state Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, praised UNDP for its continued support but said more funding was needed to expand the outreach.
“The information has not yet reached all youth, and the demand for funding remains high,” Wel said. “Young people are scattered across different areas, and empowering them effectively requires additional resources.”
The Aweil Social Center receives support from UNDP and the Africa Media Society to promote awareness against gender-based violence, support peacebuilding and social cohesion, and provide mental health and trauma healing sessions for communities across the state.