Young people participating in a training workshop to help them develop new skills in peace advocacy in the Yei River region of South Sudan say they are committed to playing a positive role in reconciling warring parties.

The Civil Affairs Division of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) ran a two-day training workshop for approximately 70 young people from youth groups across the region to teach them about peace messaging and advocacy skills.

Amuja Moses was one of the many participants who felt that the workshop would have positive impact on his day-to-day activities, saying it would help him control his own emotions as well as advocate for a peaceful approach to problem solving.

“It has changed the emotions which I use to have before,” said Amuja Moses.  “I will now be able to tolerate harassments and so forth so that I can be the peace implementer.”

Speaking on behalf of the participants during the closing ceremony of the workshop, the chairman of the Youth Union in Yei River State, Mr. Malish Stephen, commended UNMISS for supporting the youth of the area and building their capacity as peacemakers. He hoped similar training sessions could be run in future.