Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the second cohort of Hanbit Vocational School at Dr. John Garang University in Bor on Monday, the governor highlighted the importance of vocational skills in addressing unemployment and promoting economic independence.
The ceremony celebrated the graduation of over 70 students who completed a three-month training program in agriculture, electrical work, plumbing, and poultry farming. Governor Gai praised the graduates, noting that their newly acquired skills would enable them to contribute meaningfully to their families, communities, and the nation.
“As an independent nation, South Sudan needs its youth to be self-sufficient and innovative in producing goods and services,” Gai said. “The skills you have gained today ensure you will not remain idle but will instead create opportunities for yourselves and others.”
The governor encouraged the graduates to apply their skills to drive economic growth, particularly in agriculture, which he identified as a cornerstone for Jonglei State’s development.
“Rice production can thrive here, and if I face electrical issues at home, these young graduates can fix them,” he remarked.
Mr. Gai also challenged the youth to emulate the success of skilled workers from neighbouring Uganda and Kenya, who have leveraged similar training to excel in their trades. “Why not you? You can produce goods, like eggs, and supply markets in Juba and beyond,” he said.
The Jonglei State government, under Governor Gai’s leadership, has prioritised youth empowerment as part of its mandate to promote sustainable development and reduce dependency on foreign aid.
Initiatives like Hanbit Vocational School, supported by partnerships with international contingents such as the Korean team, demonstrate the government’s commitment to equipping young people with practical skills. By facilitating access to vocational training, the state aims to address the high youth unemployment rate and foster entrepreneurship in sectors critical to South Sudan’s economy.
However, while the government’s efforts to promote vocational training are commendable, challenges remain in fulfilling its broader mandates.
Limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, and ongoing security concerns in Jonglei State hinder the scalability of such programs. Many youths still lack access to quality education and training opportunities, and the state government has been criticised for slow progress in creating an enabling environment for economic growth.
For instance, the lack of adequate and consistent electricity and market access limits the ability of graduates to apply their skills effectively.
To fully meet its mandates, the Jonglei State government must invest in complementary infrastructure, such as agricultural processing facilities and a reliable power supply, to ensure that vocational training translates into tangible economic outcomes.
