The Central Equatoria State Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, and Forestry has called on students across the state to enroll in carpentry and mechanical workshop training programs to acquire practical skills and boost local capacity.
The appeal was made during a press conference held at the carpentry workshop premises in Juba, where officials expressed concern over low student turnout despite available opportunities.
The workshop, originally donated by the Government of Germany in 1970, before South Sudan’s independence, was established to equip local communities with technical skills, including carpentry and furniture production for schools and public institutions.
Speaking at the event, Director General Gideon Jubara said the facility remains vital for skills development and institutional support.
“This workshop was established to train professional carpenters, produce school furniture, and support the rehabilitation of government institutions,” he said.
He also highlighted environmental concerns affecting the sustainability of the workshop, noting that key tree species used in production are becoming scarce.
“We rely on eucalyptus and mahogany, but these tree species are disappearing in the state,” Jubara said. “I urge communities to plant more trees to sustain this important initiative.”
Meanwhile, Jungo John Idris, the workshop’s managing director, expressed frustration over the lack of student enrollment despite ongoing outreach efforts.
“We have advertised for students to join the training, but unfortunately, no one has responded, and we do not know the reason,” Idris said. “At the moment, we have only three students. Others left after one or two months, and the reasons for their withdrawal remain unclear.”
Authorities are now urging young people to take advantage of the program, emphasizing its potential to create employment opportunities and contribute to the state’s development.
and then