Western Equatoria State Caretaker Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa and Anita Kiki Gbeho, head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), on Wednesday handed over a newly built youth empowerment hub in Yambio.
The facility was constructed under the UNMISS Quick Impact Project (QIP) and implemented by LIFT South Sudan to promote youth leadership, skills development and peacebuilding.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Rimbasa said the hub would give young people a space to exchange ideas, develop leadership skills and discuss challenges affecting their communities.
He urged young people to use the facility to promote peace, discourage harmful activities and contribute to community development.
Gbeho called on young people to take ownership of the centre and use it to develop solutions to problems facing their communities.
“Our responsibility as the older generation is to empower them and invest in them. But the actual change has to come from them,” Gbeho said.
She said the hub should enable young people to collaborate, exchange ideas and develop initiatives aimed at bringing positive change to their communities.
Joseph Ndani, executive director of LIFT South Sudan, commended UNMISS for supporting the project and the state government for creating an enabling environment for youth-focused initiatives.
He called for additional support to establish more youth centres and recreational facilities across Western Equatoria State.
The hub is expected to provide a venue for youth groups to hold discussions, share knowledge, strengthen leadership skills and develop peacebuilding initiatives. Its long-term impact will depend on sustained use, maintenance and engagement by young people and their partners.
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