By James Innocent
Youth-led civil society organisations in Yei have intensified efforts to protect children from recruitment into armed groups through specialised training.
Representing the Commissioner of Yei River County at the opening session, Executive Director Hillary John Konga welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary.
He said the involvement of children in armed conflict remains a serious violation of their rights.
Konga urged parents and guardians to take a more active role in guiding children and preventing their exposure to criminal activities.
He noted that past conflicts have seen children forcibly recruited into armed groups, with long-lasting consequences for their well-being and future.
He also highlighted the importance of bridging generational gaps, calling for stronger cooperation between youth and elders to ensure children are protected and meaningfully engaged in peacebuilding efforts.
Civil society representative Lokuke Santo praised the organisers for empowering youth-led organisations with practical tools to engage communities and security actors.
He encouraged participants to apply the skills gained to promote child-centered protection approaches and raise awareness of children’s rights.
John Kon Kelei, country director of the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security, said the institute has been working in South Sudan since 2015 to strengthen child protection frameworks in collaboration with security institutions.
He noted that, in partnership with the Yei Civil Society Organisation Forum, the institute is implementing programs aimed at building the capacity of young people engaged in child protection.
The current training, he said, focuses on the six grave violations against children in armed conflict and aims to strengthen prevention efforts.
“The goal is to ensure young people are equipped with the knowledge and tools to actively contribute to protecting children in their communities,” Kelei said.
Participants said the training is already having an impact. Vivian Nandege, one of the attendees, welcomed the initiative, saying it has strengthened their understanding of how to protect children in conflict situations.
She urged fellow participants to apply the knowledge in practice and become agents of change in promoting peace and safeguarding children.
The initiative is expected to enhance collaboration between communities, civil society groups, and security institutions in Yei, contributing to safer conditions where children can grow, learn, and live free from violence and exploitation.
The training organised by the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security in partnership with Dalhousie University was aimed at creating awareness.
The four-day training, which runs from April 20 to 23, 2026, is being held at Youth Garden in Yei.
It brings together 30 participants from youth organisations and key stakeholders and focuses on equipping them with practical skills and knowledge to prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.
Organisers say the program emphasises advocacy, collaboration, and policy engagement, while also promoting stronger partnerships between communities and security sector actors to improve child protection at the grassroots level.