By Deng Athian
A new education and skills development program is creating opportunities for learning, employment, and self-reliance for 1,000 out-of-school adults and youth in Wau.
The initiative aims to equip vulnerable adults and young people with literacy, technical skills, psychosocial support, and entrepreneurship opportunities to help them improve their livelihoods and contribute to their communities.
The Peaceful Futures for Youth and Adolescents: Education and Skills Development Program was launched in Wau with support from The Light Foundation (TLF) through UNICEF and will run from June 2026 to December 2027.
Implemented by the Centre for Emergency and Development Support (CEDS), the program will provide 1,000 out-of-school adults and youth with foundational education and market-oriented vocational skills designed to help them access employment opportunities, establish small businesses, and become self-reliant.
Mr. Makol Lual, Regional Programme Manager of CEDS, said the initiative responds to the challenges facing vulnerable adolescents and youth who have limited access to education and economic opportunities.
“The program seeks to address challenges facing vulnerable adolescents and youth by combining foundational education with vocational skills training, psychosocial support, and pathways to employment and entrepreneurship,” Makol said.
Through the program, participants will receive Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), life skills education, and psychosocial support before progressing to vocational training, apprenticeships, and start-up assistance.
CEDS will establish 10 foundational literacy and numeracy centres across Wau, with beneficiaries identified in collaboration with the Western Bahr el Ghazal State Ministry of General Education and Instruction to ensure the program reaches those most in need.
The initiative targets vulnerable groups, including young people affected by early marriage, street-connected youth, individuals previously in conflict with the law, and demobilised child soldiers.
Under the vocational training component, participants will gain practical skills in areas such as tailoring, masonry, welding and metal fabrication, heavy machinery operation, carpentry and joinery, among other trades linked to employment opportunities.
The program is expected to provide beneficiaries with more than technical skills by enabling them to improve their income opportunities, support their families, and participate actively in local economic development.
Makol said CEDS will continue supporting participants after training by providing start-up assistance to help them apply their skills and establish income-generating activities.
“After completing the training, the groups will receive financial and material support to establish businesses. For example, participants trained in heavy machinery and mechanical work will be provided with tools, equipment, and other essential resources to establish a garage where they can continue practicing their skills while generating income,” he explained.
Speaking during the launch, Mr. Juma Suleiman, Director General of the Ministry of General Education and Instruction in Western Bahr el Ghazal State, commended the program, saying education and skills development initiatives are important in creating opportunities for vulnerable groups and supporting young people to become self-reliant.
Through the integration of education, vocational training, psychosocial support, and economic empowerment, the program is expected to contribute to improved livelihoods, social cohesion, and sustainable development among communities in Wau.