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The ceremony, held on Thursday in the capital, marked the successful completion of three months of training across four institutions: Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI), Egypt Academy, Women Empowerment, and Blessings.
The project participants were oriented on available skills based on the labor market and selected seven skills, including tailoring and garment cutting, hairdressing, domestic electricity, soap making, plumbing, embroidery, and catering and hotel services.
The program was launched in 2016 to address food insecurity and economic instability caused by South Sudan’s 2016 crisis.
Sabit Badris Laku, a representative of the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, urged the graduates to put their training to practical use.
“You have learned valuable skills, so don’t misuse them at home,” Laku said. “I encourage you to practice what you have learned and take action to improve your lives,” he added during the graduation ceremony.
Meanwhile, Maureen Laku, head of the WFP Juba Field Office, praised the graduates for their dedication and resilience.
“This program is not just about providing training,” she said. “It’s about empowering individuals to strengthen their communities, overcome challenges, and build a brighter future.”
Maureen commended the women participants, who represented a significant portion of the graduates, for balancing personal responsibilities while excelling in their training.
“Our women graduates have shown incredible determination,” she added. “With the right tools and determination, they are proving that anyone can achieve greatness.”
Kwami Makumator, the Country Director for the Afrika South Sudan Program, described the event as a significant milestone in the partnership with WFP.
“This is the second joint graduation ceremony of WFP and For Afrika trainees, delivered by certified training institutions,” Kwami said. “In 2024, we aim to support 7,000 individuals, including 1,500 households, with vocational and technical education. This year, we successfully trained 500 households, achieving our target.”
Kwami emphasized the program’s focus on skills development, particularly for vulnerable groups. Women made up 75% of the participants, reflecting the program’s emphasis on gender inclusivity.
George Opiyo Ongom, coordinator of the Urban Safety Net Program, outlined the vocational training offered, including tailoring, hairdressing, soap-making, plumbing, domestic electricity, catering, and embroidery.
“We targeted literate, vulnerable youth who could benefit from advanced skills training,” Opiyo explained. “Today, we graduate 500 individuals who are now better equipped for the labor market.”
Representing the graduates, Lino Lazarus Marino called on WFP and its partners to expand the program to other regions, such as Terekeka, to reach more underserved communities.
“We appreciate the donors for supporting this initiative and hope that it extends to grassroots areas where others can benefit,” Lazarus said.
