Writer: Lodu William Odiya
The DMI Sisters, in collaboration with the Strome Foundation, have trained and graduated 83 young people in vocational skills, including plumbing and tailoring, as part of efforts to promote youth employment and self-reliance in South Sudan.
The graduates, comprising 53 women and 30 men, were awarded certificates after completing their vocational training program aimed at equipping young people with practical skills that can enable them to create employment opportunities for themselves and others.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the Ambassador of India to South Sudan, Deepak Miglani, praised the DMI Sisters for contributing to skills development and empowering young people and women.
Ambassador Miglani referred to a famous quote by Nelson Mandela written at the entrance of the DMI Sisters compound, which emphasises the importance of education in uplifting a nation.
“I read the famous quote by Nelson Mandela, which is written at the gate of the compound. It said that the most important weapon that can be used for uplifting a nation is education. And very rightly said, but DMI Sisters, by contributing to skilling, are executing it on the ground,” he said.
He congratulated the 2026 TVET graduates, describing their achievement as a result of hard work, discipline, determination, and hope for a better future.
“It is indeed a great honour and pleasure for me to be with you today at this graduation ceremony. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the 2026 TVET graduates. Your achievement is a testimony to your hard work, discipline, determination, and hope for a better future,” Miglani said.
The ambassador said vocational training, women and youth empowerment, livelihood support, and community development are important in building stronger and more self-reliant communities.
He encouraged the graduates to use their skills to establish small businesses and provide services that could create employment opportunities for others.
“A small business, a skilled service, or a new idea can grow into something that creates opportunities for others,” he said.
Ambassador Miglani also reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting South Sudan in education, skills development, and human capacity building.
“We believe that education, skills, entrepreneurship, and human capacity are essential foundations for sustainable development, and India, as a partner of South Sudan, wishes to be an active collaborator in this direction,” he said.
He announced that India offers more than 200 technical training slots annually for South Sudanese to undertake training in India.
“I am very happy to announce that India annually offers more than 200 technical slots for training in India, and I hope and pray that one day, one of you will be participating in that,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rev. John C. Daau, Director General in the Directorate of Vocational Training and Skills Development at the Ministry of Labour, welcomed the graduation, saying the program contributes to expanding the country’s skilled workforce.
He called for the continuation of similar programs to provide young people with practical skills and improve livelihoods.
“We continue to pray that this kind of program continues to improve our community,” Rev. Daau said.
He urged the graduates to use the skills acquired during their training rather than waiting for formal employment.
“This is just to say, another workforce is added. We are encouraged when we see activities like this,” he said.
Rev. Daau also challenged the graduates to contribute to the country’s workforce and reduce dependence on foreign workers.
“Every time we keep on saying foreigners are taking our work. So, it’s important that you are trained to go on with your work,” he said.
He encouraged the graduates to create their own employment opportunities if formal jobs are not immediately available.
“If you are not employed, employ yourself. We don’t want to see you taking tea on the roadside,” Rev. Daau said.
The graduation highlights the growing role of vocational training in equipping young people with practical skills that can support livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and community development.