On Wednesday 11th November, approximately 2 weeks ago, a collective of UN agencies and national NGOs were in full attendance during the UNFPA Review and planning for the 2020-2021.
The keynote speakers comprised of the Minister of Youth and Sport, Hon. Dr Albino Bol, followed by the UNFPA Deputy Representative, Dr. Abiodun Oyeyipo and a representative from the National Youth Union.
There were key issues on the agenda surrounding the investment on youth through developmental projects, entrepreneurship, the national youth policy and the youth enterprise fund, which is integrated in the peace agreement to channel resources to the large youth populace.
The Minister made his introductory remarks on his appreciation to the active role of the NGOs; UNESCO, UNICEF and UNFPA for their continued support and efforts towards educational initiatives throughout the COVID19 Pandemic. He also emphasised on the need to introduce the National Youth Service (NYS) as a legislative policy for a broader strategy program for the Ministry of Youth and Sports. A conduit to tackle the common identity problem that has indented society due to the difficult past of civil wars and the impoverished economic downturn.
A National Youth Service (NYS) is a government initiative incorporating young people in activities which provide benefits to the community whilst equipping and developing their abilities through service and learning. The long term effect serves to develop four strategic pillars of society; common national identity, civic responsibility, nation building, recovery and rehabilitation.
72% of the population in South Sudan are youth, a huge potential that can contribute to the social and economic transformation of the country. Young people feel disconnected from society due to the lack of representation and opportunities. This initiative aims to foster a spirit of nation building and cultivate the culture of service in the national reconstruction of society.
In various African countries, the youth indicate a prime resource factor and tools of development. They are carefully trained and deployed to execute social, political and economic objectives. E.g The Ghana National Service Scheme, makes it compulsory for graduates and diplomats to serve in public sector. To create a strong common national identity, Germany (Zivildienst), Nigeria (National Youth Service Corps) and China’s (Youth Service in China) have strengthened their foothold in nation building.
South Sudan’s approach to embrace peace can help it prioritise on Youth development through education and training to realise the full potential of it’s human resource and to promote intergenerational understanding.
The UNFPA Deputy representative, Dr Abiodun Oyeyipo underlined the importance of the holistic and cohesive efforts of NGO actors have demonstrated to achieve the goals of 2020 and should continue to 2021. He aslo called for improving internet services to allow access for students to attend online activities, offline solutions in forms of digital library repositories and placed his affirmation to continue the support to line ministries in South Sudan.
UNFPA, concluded to promote digitisation of education to allow a continuity throughout the states, internship and vocational development, cohesion and collective of efforts with government institutions and key partners and local NGOS to create effective results in the grassroots.
