Ministry of Youth and Sports Collaborates with UNFPA to Launch Youth Empowerment and Internship Programs
The Ministry of Youth and Sports in South Sudan has entered into a strategic partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to enhance youth empowerment and develop internship programs aimed at addressing pressing issues facing the country’s young population.
During a recent gathering, Madam Esperance Fundra, Officer in Charge at UNFPA South Sudan, underscored the significance of investing in youth leadership, citing that 70% of South Sudan’s population consists of resilient and capable young individuals. “If this potential is wasted, the repercussions are dire,” she cautioned, emphasizing that empowered youth serve as catalysts for innovation, resilience, and societal progress.
Fundra highlighted the collective commitment to help young people achieve their ambitions for a prosperous and peaceful nation, while also recognizing the substantial hurdles they face. With youth unemployment rates reaching a staggering 60%, the need for quality education and accessible health resources, as well as entrepreneurial opportunities, has never been more critical.
The initiative aims to promote community-based activism and establish youth-inclusive peace forums, all while developing a national strategy to engage youth in peace processes. Key components of the program include innovation challenges focusing on sexual and reproductive health, international dialogues on youth, peace, and security, as well as the Youth Volunteer Empowerment Program.
In her remarks, Hon. Deborah Akech, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, expressed the urgent need for employment and skill-building opportunities for young people. “When young people acquire skills, they not only support themselves but also their families and the broader community,” she affirmed.
The partnership between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and UNFPA promises to unlock new opportunities, inspire entrepreneurial initiatives, and implement impactful programs that prioritize inclusiveness and sustainable development. Both organizations are urging stakeholders to collaborate and strategize effectively to ensure that these initiatives yield tangible results for South South Sudan’s youth.
