Seventy-four children formerly associated with armed groups have graduated after completing a six-month vocational training and reintegration program in Yambio, Western Equatoria State.
The graduates, some of whom were previously associated with the SPLA-IO and other armed groups, received training through Save Lives Initiative (SLI) at Tiindoka Vocational Training Centre, with support from UNICEF, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the state government.
The programme targeted young people from Yambio, Ezo and Tambura counties who had been released from armed groups through efforts involving the state-level Child Protection Task Force, security forces and other partners.
Speaking during Wednesday’s graduation ceremony, Taban Augustine Joseph, Executive Director of Save Lives Initiative, said the organization had equipped the graduates with practical skills to help them rebuild their lives and become self-reliant.
“Today you are not victims. You are carpenters, electricians, masons, tailors and welders, farmers and entrepreneurs, and the future of Western Equatoria,” he said.
Joseph urged the graduates to use the tools provided to establish businesses, earn a living and support their families.
He also called on the government and development partners to support the organization in extending similar opportunities to other vulnerable young people across the state.
Clement Gbatanawo, UNICEF representative in Western Equatoria State, said the 74 graduates were the third cohort to complete the vocational training program.
“UNICEF supports the reintegration of children formerly associated with armed groups through psychosocial assistance and vocational training, working with implementing partners such as Save Lives Initiative,” he said.
Gbatanawo said the program also included agricultural demonstrations and business management lessons to prepare the graduates to establish and manage businesses when they return to their communities.
He commended the state government, UNMISS and other implementing partners for their cooperation, saying the graduation was an important step towards helping the young people rebuild their lives.
Western Equatoria State Caretaker Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa urged the graduates to use their newly acquired skills to fight poverty, support their families and contribute to the development of their communities.
Rimbasa encouraged them to form associations and work together when they return to their respective counties, saying collective economic activities could create better opportunities for their future.
The governor also called for children associated with armed groups to be released, reintegrated into their communities and provided with psychosocial support.
One of the graduates, Dominic, who completed a six-month course in electrical installation, appealed to children still in armed groups to leave and pursue opportunities for education and vocational training.
“Life in the bush was very difficult, but today our lives are comfortable because of the knowledge and skills we have acquired through this training,” Dominic said. “I encourage those who are still in the bush to come out and join us for a better future.”
The graduation marks another step in efforts by the Western Equatoria State Government, UNICEF and implementing partners to rehabilitate and reintegrate children affected by armed conflict and equip them with skills for independent living.
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