By Staff writer
U.S. Embassy in Juba joined in celebrating the graduation of 490 young men and women who successfully completed Youth Empowerment Activity (YEA) program.
The ceremony, held at Juba Technical Secondary School, marked a milestone for the young individuals who have acquired valuable skills to embark on promising careers.
YEA, a program funded by the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is implemented by the Education Development Center in collaboration with 14 civil society organizations.
The intensive four-month training program equips young people aged 15 to 29 with foundational skills necessary for personal and professional growth.
Since its inception, YEA has positively impacted the lives of over 17,000 youth across 14 counties in South Sudan. The program’s ambitious goal is to reach 25,000 young people nationwide by 2026.
Addressing the graduates, U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan, Michael J. Adler, emphasized the critical need for such opportunities for South Sudan’s youth.
He urged the transitional government to prioritize public education and allocate adequate resources to ensure that young people have access to quality education and skills training.
“Investing in youth and education is essential to building a peaceful, prosperous, and self-reliant nation. Teachers must be paid on time, and schools must receive the funding they need to operate,” he stated.