UNMISS, STO and the Tambura County authorities have graduated 61 youth (13 men and 48 women) who have completed a three-month livelihood skills training in three selected trades including tailoring, hairdressing and salon management, and liquid soap-making.  The training aimed to empower the youth for economic self-sufficiency while fostering peace and stability among communities in Tambura.

The graduation ceremony, held on November 12, 2024, gathered local stakeholders, including Tambura County authorities, UNMISS representatives, NGOs, and private sector partners. Representing the county commissioner Mr. Moses Moro, praised UNMISS and STO for their support, emphasising how such skills can bridge divides and improve security within Tambura. He urged the graduates to leverage their new expertise to build businesses, thereby uplifting not only themselves but also their wider community.

The representative of STO, Benjamin Badinga, highlighted the strong collaboration with local authorities and communities, stressing the importance of a supportive environment for youth-led businesses. “It is only through peaceful co-existence in Tambura that the benefits of this training will reach the community,” he said, calling for concerted efforts to ensure peace and stability.

UNMISS representative Tahiru Ibrahim reminded graduates that sustainable peace is essential for long-term community development. “This training is a seed for peace,” he remarked, urging young people to dedicate their skills toward economic growth, poverty reduction, and violence prevention. He called for a collective commitment to peace, noting that its success relies on collaboration among youth, traditional leaders, religious institutions, and government entities.

The vocational training initiative is part of the Community Violence Reduction Project, a program funded by the Protection, Transition, and Reintegration (PTR) Section of the UNIMISS. This project is designed to empower youth economically, build social cohesion, and promote peace. This graduation marks a new chapter for the 61 trainees, offering hope for a prosperous and peaceful Tambura.