YWCA Urges Juveniles to Prioritize Education
By Agnes Wani & Kidega Livingstone
The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) has encouraged juveniles at Juba Central Prison to continue pursuing their education as a vital pathway to becoming responsible and productive citizens.
Speaking during the commemoration of the Day of the African Child at the Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre in Juba on Tuesday, YWCA Executive Director Modi Mbaraza stressed that discipline and continuous learning are essential in reshaping the lives of young people.
“Education is key to a better future. We encourage these children to remain focused on their studies and embrace discipline so that they can contribute positively to society when they leave this institution,” Mbaraza said.
The Director of the Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre, Akol Michael, commended the YWCA and Tribe 64 Organization for celebrating the international day alongside the juveniles. He noted that such events go a long way in ensuring the children feel valued and supported during their stay at the facility.
“We appreciate our partners for remembering these children and sharing this important day with them,” Michael noted. “It gives them hope and motivation to reform and prepare for a better future”.
Jennifer John Jada, the Secretary-General of Tribe 64 Organization, also spoke at the event, describing children as the bedrock of the nation’s future and emphasizing the critical need to guide them toward positive personal growth.
“These children are here to be rehabilitated and transformed into responsible citizens,” Jada said. “We must support them and give them opportunities to rebuild their lives.”
The Day of the African Child is observed annually on June 16 across the continent in memory of the thousands of students who marched for their right to a quality education during the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa. Today, the day serves as a critical policy platform to advocate for, promote, and protect the rights and welfare of children throughout Africa.
