At least 30 individuals from various youth groups across Yei River County in Central Equatoria State on Thursday completed a three-day digital skills training aimed at promoting responsible internet use, effective digital communication, and access to online opportunities for personal and community development.
The training, organized by the Internet Society South Sudan Chapter, brought together youth representatives, civil society organizations, government officials, students, community leaders, women representatives, and religious leaders.
Representing the organizers, James Wani Banja, the Acting Director for Planning and Peacebuilding, challenged participants to continue upgrading their digital skills after the training so they can compete effectively in the rapidly evolving digital world.
“We need you to have certificates that can market you to get jobs, and not to ask yourself what is next after getting employed,” he said. “So, the question to all of us is: how do you move from the Internet Society South Sudan into the advanced digital world now?”
For his part, Raymond Duduka, a participant, said they acquired valuable digital skills that will enable them to use online platforms to access education, employment, and business opportunities. He added that the training also exposed participants to the dangers of misinformation, hate speech, and other harmful online practices that can fuel conflict and division within communities.
“One of the topics we learned is about digital communication because some of us could not communicate and look for opportunities online,” he said. “However, after this training, we can now communicate online. I am very proud because the training came at the right time, and we can now control our accounts and know the repercussions that come with cybercrimes.”
Jeniffer Nyoka Justin, another beneficiary, said the training broadened her understanding of digital communication and responsible use of social media. She encouraged youth to embrace innovation and make use of digital knowledge to improve their livelihoods while contributing positively to national development through digital entrepreneurship.
“Right now, we have learned about digital entrepreneurship and can start businesses online,” she said.
The 30 participants received practical training in digital literacy, online communication, and the safe, ethical, and productive use of the internet.
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