Prepare Learners for the Job Market

International Youth Day is commemorated every year on 12^th of August, bringing youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrating the potential of young people as partners in today’s global society. On the 12^th of August 2022, South Sudan joined the rest of the world to celebrate International Youth Day under the theme, ‘Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages’.

South Sudan has a relatively  young population, with over 70% of the population being under 35 years of age (Population of South Sudan. 2022 demographics: density, ratios, growth rate, clock, rate of men to women). If well nurtured, this segment of the population can effectively contribute to the development of the country.

To celebrate International Youth Day in 2022 year, several organisations, including UNFPA, UNDP South Sudan, Smile Again Africa Development Organisation (SAADO), amongst others organised a jobs and opportunities fair, bringing together youth from different educational levels, both learners (in vocational schools) and new graduates seeking jobs. During this event, youth interacted with potential employers and accessed job opportunities.

Dina, a 21 -year-old student who attended the event appreciated the opportunity to be able to interact with career mentors: “From this session, I learnt how to write a good CV and prepare for interviews. I am soon completing my course in hospitality and hotel management here at Multi-service Training Centre. I look forward to using the knowledge I got today”.

In attendance of the event was Her Excellency, Rebecca Nyandeng, the Vice President for Gender, and Youth Cluster. She encouraged all stakeholders working with young people to ensure that they are equipped with the right skills for employment. “By building capacity we also build confidence, by building confidence we build character, and by building character, we expend our potential,” she said. She also encouraged the youth not to be too picky about the kind of jobs they come across but take up any opportunity that can earn them a living. The Vice President urged the youth of South Sudan to embrace education and learning in order to better themselves.

Girls’ Education South Sudan (GESS) supports learners from primary school through secondary school with behaviour change and practice message to inform about the education system and garner support for education;  cash transfers directly to girls from Primary 5 and Secondary 4, and capitation grants to schools to improve learning environments for both girls and boys and support to education managers to provide guidance to schools to build and maintain  supportive educational institutions. As a Programme, we recognise  the potential young people and how education plays a role in making them realise their full potential. GESS encourages all learners to take up opportunities to acquire appropriate skills and prepare themselves for life after school.

Categorised in: Human Interest Story