Seventy-four children formerly associated with armed groups in South Sudan have graduated after completing a six-month vocational training and reintegration program in Yambio, Western Equatoria State. The program, implemented by Save Lives Initiative (SLI) with support from UNICEF, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and the state government, aimed to equip young people with practical skills to rebuild their lives and become self-reliant. The graduates received training at Tiindoka Vocational Training Centre.
The program targeted young people from Yambio, Ezo, and Tambura counties who had been released from armed groups, including the SPLA-IO, through efforts involving the state-level Child Protection Task Force, security forces, and other partners. The training included vocational skills such as carpentry, electrical installation, masonry, tailoring, and welding, as well as agricultural demonstrations and business management lessons. This comprehensive approach aimed to prepare the graduates to establish and manage businesses when they return to their communities.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Taban Augustine Joseph, Executive Director of Save Lives Initiative, urged the graduates to use the tools provided to establish businesses, earn a living, and support their families. He encouraged them to become self-reliant and contribute to the development of their communities. Joseph also called on the government and development partners to support the organization in extending similar opportunities to other vulnerable young people across the state.
Clement Gbatanawo, UNICEF representative in Western Equatoria State, commended the state government, UNMISS, and other implementing partners for their cooperation in supporting the reintegration of children formerly associated with armed groups. He noted that the 74 graduates were the third cohort to complete the vocational training program, which included psychosocial assistance and vocational training. Gbatanawo emphasized that the program was an important step towards helping the young people rebuild their lives.
Western Equatoria State Caretaker Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa urged the graduates to use their newly acquired skills to fight poverty, support their families, and contribute to the development of their communities. He encouraged them to form associations and work together when they return to their respective counties, saying collective economic activities could create better opportunities for their future. The governor also called for children associated with armed groups to be released, reintegrated into their communities, and provided with psychosocial support.
One of the graduates, Dominic, who completed a six-month course in electrical installation, appealed to children still in armed groups to leave and pursue opportunities for education and vocational training. He shared his experience, stating that life in the bush was difficult, but today his life is comfortable because of the knowledge and skills he acquired through the training. Dominic encouraged those still in armed groups to come out and join him for a better future.
The graduation marks another step in efforts by the Western Equatoria State Government, UNICEF, and implementing partners to rehabilitate and reintegrate children affected by armed conflict and equip them with skills for independent living. The program demonstrates a collaborative approach to supporting the reintegration of former child soldiers and promoting sustainable livelihoods in South Sudan.
Key points
- Seventy-four former child soldiers complete vocational training in Yambio, Western Equatoria State, South Sudan.
- The program was implemented by Save Lives Initiative with support from UNICEF, UNMISS, and the state government.
- The graduates received training in vocational skills, agricultural demonstrations, and business management lessons.
