Government, Partners Launch Program Internship in Alignment with Youth Development Policy

By Patricia John

The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sport, Debora Akech, said the internship program is in alignment with the youth development policy that is being reviewed by the national parliament for approval.

 Akech, during the launching ceremony, emphasized that there is a need for women and youth empowerment for the country to develop.

“The leadership program launched today is a support in the development of the next generation of young women and youth of South Sudan. There is no true development that is more effective than the empowerment of women and youth,” said Akech.

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Country Representative, Mohamed Bachir, said the internship program aims to empower women and youth to contribute to the country’s public and private sectors.

“This program marks a significant step in our collective efforts to invest in this great nation’s future through initiatives that will make a notable impact. The women and youth leadership program is designed to address imbalances by offering paid internships, personalized career mentorship, on-the-job skills training, and potential employment opportunities to our graduates,” he said.

Nadia Arop Dudi, Minister of Culture, Museum, and Heritage, stressed that young people need to be empowered through building networks, and entrepreneurial, and leadership skills for a peaceful country.

“Our children need to be supported in the transformation of their lives. Leaders need to empower young people. We need transformed youth so that we have peace, stability, and a country that is good for everyone,” she stated.

For his part, Charles Underland, Country Manager for the World Bank, emphasized the importance of providing services, hotlines, and safe houses for women who have suffered from gender-based violence.

“Youth, of course, in any country are the future of the country. It is a future that needs to be cherished, developed, and invested in,” he said.

Athineng Suzan, a graduate of Catholic University from the School of Business Administration, stressed that the program represents a critical investment in her future and that of her peers.

“This program will help young people reach their full potential. As we can see in this country, there is a large number of youths who are unemployed and through this program, the youth can find direction,” Suzan narrated.

The project aims to potentially create employment opportunities, especially for young educated women and men.