20 March 2013 - Over 50 former soldiers in Lakes State's Yirol West County will learn new skills to help them re-enter civilian life in a pilot UNMISS-government pilot programme beginning 15 April 2013.

The vocational training, to take place Mapel, Western Bahr El-Ghazal, will train participants in carpentry, mechanics, business activities, electronics and other areas, according SSDDRC Public Information Officer Karbino Yal.

The training will be held under the auspices of the South Sudan Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission (SSDDRC) in collaboration with UNMISS.

About 500 ex-combatants from Lakes, Warrap, Northern Bahr El-Ghazal and Western Bahr El-Ghazal are eventually due to participate in the pilot phase of the vocational training.

The ex-combatants expressed their willingness during a day-long sensitization campaign in Yirol West County put on by SSSDDRC and UNMISS.

The pilot programme will pave the way for DDR of about 150,000 ex-combatants across the country.