Twenty-five young people have successfully concluded a one-month training under the Youth and Women Economic Empowerment Project, organized by Salam Junub.
The training, held at the Gurei Peace Tree Hub, aimed at equipping participants with business and entrepreneurship skills to improve their livelihoods. The initiative focused on empowering farmers, former child soldiers, and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).
Out of the twenty-five participants, fifteen were male and ten female. They underwent specialized training in various business skills designed to help them start and manage small businesses.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Dimba Shafic Taban, Senior Administrative Officer from the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Youth and Sports, encouraged the participants to put their newly acquired skills into practice.
“I urge you all to apply what you have learned and embark on your business journeys,” he said. He added that both the state government and Salam Junub will closely monitor the progress of the participants as they integrate into local markets.
Taban also called for more inclusive programs, highlighting the need for future training to involve persons with disabilities.
Emmanuel Goro, Administrative Officer of Luri Payam, Romburu Boma, welcomed the initiative and urged the participants to stay persistent in their business ventures.
“Do not give up. Continue engaging in different types of businesses to support your families, paying school fees, and providing food for your children,” Goro advised.
Bush Buse, a founding member of Salam Junub, announced that each participant would receive $200 to kickstart their business. He urged the youths to use the funds responsibly for business purposes and avoid wasting the money on unproductive ventures.
Buse also revealed that Salam Junub plans to train an additional twenty-five youths every year in business skills across Juba.
Some participants expressed optimism about applying their new skills to improve their livelihoods. They voiced hopes of using their entrepreneurial knowledge to support their education and families.
During the ceremony, all twenty-five participants were awarded certificates of completion in Business and Entrepreneurship skills. Male representative, Santino Awach, encouraged his fellow graduates to make good use of their newfound knowledge.
He thanked Salam Junub for providing the training.
However, Eliza John, one of the female participants, acknowledged the challenges faced by families during these difficult economic times, particularly the struggle to pay school fees.
She expressed gratitude for the training and promised to apply the knowledge she gained to build a sustainable business that would support her family.
