By James Innocent
Yei River County Youth Leader, Gaga Frank has called on partners to invest in vocational training programs to encourage young people on self-reliance.
This comes after the youth turned to carpentry work as means of survival and self-reliance amidst the worsening economic hardship in the country.
“Many young people are being left out of job opportunities. That’s why some of them end up being hostile within their own communities, we called on government and development partners to invest more in vocational training for the you people” Gaga said.
He further emphasized that providing vocational skills can redirect youth energy into positive pathways and help reduce involvement in gang-related activities.
“The rise of youth-led entrepreneurship in Yei, is seen as a beacon of hope amid a challenging economic climate, with growing calls for more support to empower young people across the region.
Meanwhile, Wai Beneath, a vibrant youth and returnee from a refugee camp in Uganda said he turned to carpentry to support his family after returning home with no financial resources.
“I had no money at hand, that’s why I resorted to carpentry work to ensure my family survives this current economic hardship,” Beneath explained.
He encouraged fellow youth to join productive work and vocational training rather than engaging in unproductive activities around town.
“I have been doing this job for eight years since I was in the refugee camp in Uganda. When I returned to Yei, I had no job, but my colleague, now my boss, gave me an opportunity. I will continue working until I achieve my goals,” he said.
Beneath advised young returnees who were still outside the country to distance themselves from wrong groups but instead grab any job opportunity they could find.
“I’m urging my brothers and sisters to leave negative peer groups and join any available job that can help them live a better life,” he added
On his part, Robert Ladu, an elder in Yei over 80 years old, shared his experience as a lifelong carpenter stating it was a long journey.
“I started this work in 1970 and have never changed my business. Through this carpentry, I managed to educate all my children,” he said.
According to Ladu, despite his years of service, the current situation in the country remained tough on his side.
“Everything is expensive, and life is hard. But I continue to work because I need to survive,” he said.
He encouraged the youth to stay away from criminal activities and laziness, reminding them that hard work is the only path to a long and dignified life.
“I’ve worked for the government for a long time, but I’ve not seen any real change in my life. Still, I believe in honest work,” he added.