The South Sudanese people could have no expectations of peace among communities if the country’s youth were not engaged in developmental activities, a training official in the Western Equatoria State capital Yambio today.

Justin Omere, the deputy principal of Tii-ndoka Vocational Training Centre, was speaking at ceremony where 30 youth graduated from skills training at the centre.

“Today, 20 young men and 10 young women have successfully completed three months’ intensive training,” he said. “They are now ready to go out and create businesses that will keep them busy instead of idle.”

The UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), in partnership with World Vision, selected the 10 females and 20 males from communities hosting refugees in Yambio and Ezo counties.

The training, aimed at helping them to gain skills and become self-reliant, was organized as part of efforts to fill in the gap left by youth dropping out of school and the resultant idleness.

Mr. Omere said this was the tenth batch of youth who have graduated so far at the training centre since its inauguration.

He added that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, UNHCR, World Vision and other organizations sometimes sponsor youth to attend the vocational training.

The State Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Pia Phillip, said his ministry would continue to support such schools which enroll dropout youth who are idle at home to learn skills which could benefit them and their families.

James Animbue, a new graduate who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, appreciated the role played by UNHCR and World Vision in supporting them to complete the training.

He added that they had acquired many skills in areas like construction, carpentry and tailoring, and were ready to deliver service to the community.