National, News

Youth unemployment sparks urgent calls for action in Lakes State

By Staff Writer

 

In Rumbek town, Lakes State, the youth unemployment crisis is intensifying, prompting local advocacy groups to engage state officials in discussions on strategies to tackle the issue and promote job creation.

Despite the country’s abundant natural resources and potential for growth, high levels of unemployment among young people have continued to present significant obstacles to development across the country. This exacerbates existing socioeconomic challenges and threatens the nation’s stability and prosperity.

But in a proactive move to address the concerns of the young people in Lakes, the Rumbek Youth and Sport Association (RYSA) stepped forward through awareness-raising campaigns to ensure that the voices of the youth are heard and their concerns addressed. This involves engagement with local stakeholders and community leaders.

The campaign dubbed ‘YouthEmploymentMatters’ attracted deliberations on youth employment matters and highlighted how young people were jobless regardless of their qualifications and capabilities.

David Mabor, a Rumbek youth, admitted that the lack of job opportunities was making young people redundant.

“The lack of job opportunities is crippling our youth and hindering the development of our community. For example, most of us are staying without jobs. Even if there are a few on jobs, the pay is less,’ he explained.

According to Mabor, the inability to secure stable employment not only deprives youth of financial security but also stunts the overall progress and prosperity of the community.

Shiek Abas Mayen, the Executive Director for the Association revealed that it was high time for the government to work for the welfare of the young people even if they were limited opportunities.

“It is high time we prioritize the welfare of our young people. Investing in their future today ensures a prosperous and stable tomorrow for all,” he said while making calls for the communities to work for the young people.

He stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment for economic growth and investment, free from corruption and political instability.

By fostering a conducive environment for business development and job creation, Lakes state can harness the energy and talent of its youth population to drive progress and prosperity for all, said Abas.

Peter Gum Ater, the Director General of the State Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, acknowledged the employment-related challenges including limited job opportunities for youth.

“But the government is making efforts to address the issue. We appreciate this young group for keeping us on our toes,”

In light of the complexities, Ater emphasized the need to equip young people with practical skills that can lead to self-employment and economic independence.

“We also are encouraging the youth to pick up and obtain life skills training such as TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) and vocational skills training. If they take them up, the self-employment will be available for them and it will drastically change their life,” he stated.

Ater also encouraged the youth to embark on entrepreneurship such as business and agriculture, a move he hopes will provide avenues for self-employment and sustainable livelihoods, too.

The far-reaching campaign was funded by the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA). Most of the state actors were reached.

This engagement reflects the RYSA’s commitment to advocate for the welfare and interests of the youth community, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement with government authorities to drive positive change and improve the livelihoods of young people in Rumbek.

As the crisis deepens, stakeholders are urged to prioritize youth empowerment initiatives and foster an environment conducive to skills development and entrepreneurship.

With the specter of societal unrest looming large, the call for action resonates as a beacon of hope for the youth of Lakes State.

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