By James Innocent
The Commissioner of Yei River County, Emmanuel Taban Seme, has officially launched the Yei River County Youth Association (YRCYA) Strategic Action Plan for 2025–2027, an initiative supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Speaking during the launch, Commissioner Taban commended the association for its commitment to youth empowerment and community development.
“The youth are the backbone of our nation. I appreciate the efforts of Yei River County Youth Association in promoting peace and development, and my office will continue to support their initiatives,” he said.
The newly launched plan sets out key priorities aimed at promoting peace, social cohesion, and economic resilience among young people in Yei River County.
Lona Sema Nelson, the Speaker of YRCYA, expressed gratitude to the county authorities for supporting the association, particularly by allocating land for the youth union’s activities.
“We are thankful to the county leadership for recognizing the role of young people in nation-building. This land will serve as a foundation for our future projects and programs,”
she stated.
Gaga Frank Justine, the Chairperson of YRCYA, explained that the 2025–2027 strategy will prioritize peace and security stabilization, the protection of livelihoods for crisis-affected communities, and the inclusion of displaced populations and refugees.
He said the association will also strengthen community engagement and social cohesion by fostering reconciliation and promoting cultural diversity.
The plan further seeks to advance economic recovery and development through resilience-building activities in areas affected by food insecurity, organized violence, and climate shocks.
Frank added that the association will focus on providing reliable services and expertise to YRCYA members and development partners, ensuring that support reaches people at high risk of vulnerability.
“Our mission is to ensure that those furthest behind are reached first. Youth must be part of the solution to peace and stability in Yei,” he emphasized.
In conclusion, the Yei River County Youth Association reaffirmed its role as an independent, youth-led, non-religious, and non-profit organization dedicated to mobilizing, uniting, empowering, and advocating for the rights of young people — an initiative, as its members proudly describe, “made for the young people, by the young people, and about the young people.”