Ethiopia Awards 110 Scholarships to South Sudanese Students for Technical and Vocational Training
The Ethiopian government has granted Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) scholarships to 110 South Sudanese students, enabling them to pursue their studies in Ethiopia. This initiative, facilitated through Ethiopia’s embassy in Juba, reflects the nation’s commitment to supporting South Sudan’s human resource development and enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries.
During the scholarship handover ceremony, Ethiopian Ambassador to South Sudan, Nebil Mahdi Ahmed, urged the students to focus on their studies and leverage the opportunity provided to them. He highlighted education as a vital instrument for national development and encouraged the students to work diligently to excel academically.
“South Sudan and Ethiopia share a common destiny and historical ties that date back to the 1983 liberation struggle and beyond. Our cooperation in education signifies our commitment to supporting each other in building a prosperous future,” said Ambassador Ahmed.
“We believe that by equipping South Sudanese youth with technical skills, we are contributing to the creation of a skilled workforce essential for the socio-economic transformation of South Sudan,” he added.
This recent group of scholarship recipients increases the total number of South Sudanese students benefiting from Ethiopian government scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year to 644. Among the recipients, 35 students will pursue postgraduate studies, while 575 are enrolled in undergraduate programs across various fields.
The scholarship program is part of Ethiopia’s broader strategy to promote regional integration by investing in human capital and infrastructural development in South Sudan. The initiative aims to arm South Sudanese youth with the technical and vocational skills necessary for the country’s economic rebuilding and transformation.
As South Sudan continues to recover from years of conflict and economic adversity, investing in education remains critical for achieving long-term stability and development.
Professor Thuch Lam Liem, Director General for Training and External Relations at South Sudan’s Ministry of Higher Education, praised the Ethiopian government’s ongoing support in strengthening the country’s human resource capacity. He emphasized that the scholarships will significantly address the skills gap and improve economic productivity in South Sudan.
“This opportunity will empower our young people with the technical and vocational skills needed to drive South Sudan’s development,” Professor Liem stated. He further noted, “Education is the foundation for a strong economy, and through this scholarship program, we are fortifying our future workforce. We are grateful to the Ethiopian government for standing with us in this effort to develop our country.”
The historical ties between Ethiopia and South Sudan are deep-rooted, dating back to South Sudan’s liberation struggle in the 1980s. Over the years, the two nations have collaborated in various sectors, including education, trade, and infrastructure.
This scholarship initiative is part of a broader development cooperation strategy that includes technical assistance in energy, agriculture, and governance. Ethiopia has been a vital regional ally, supporting South Sudan in its peace process and economic recovery efforts.
As the 110 scholarship recipients prepare for their academic journeys in Ethiopia, there is hope that they will return equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to nation-building, helping transform South Sudan into a self-sufficient and economically stable nation.
The Ethiopian government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding educational cooperation to ensure more South Sudanese youth have access to quality education that meets the needs of the modern job market.
