South Sudan continues to face one of its toughest economic challenges since gaining independence, and the youth—who make up over 72% of the population—are feeling the brunt of it. Youth unemployment, particularly among those aged 15-24, stands at an alarming 18.3%, one of the highest rates in the region, according to the World Bank. Many young people face immense barriers when trying to enter the workforce, with a lack of relevant skills, qualifications, and opportunities for training being primary obstacles.

To address this pressing issue, the Skills Employment, Empowered for the Development of Youth (SEED4Y) initiative, is aiming to equip young people in South Sudan with the practical vocational skills needed to enhance their employability. Through this program, 404 young women and 346 young men in Juba have already received valuable training. One of these individuals is Joseph Garang Bol, a 35-year-old whose life has been transformed through the initiative.

Joseph’s story is one of resilience and hope. Years back, he was displaced by severe flooding in his home state of Jonglei, forcing him to relocate to Juba. Arriving in the capital, he was faced with immense uncertainty. Without a place to stay or a source of income, his situation was dire. Matters worsened when the area he had settled in was demolished, leaving him stranded once again.

However, fortune soon smiled upon Joseph. He heard about the SEED4Y skills training program and seized the opportunity to turn his life around. Enrolling in the Catering and Hotel management trade at the Juba Multiservice Training Center (MTC), Joseph began learning practical skills that quickly started changing his life. Within weeks, he identified a business opportunity and began selling homemade cold drinks such as hibiscus and tamarind juice to his fellow trainees which earned him money to cater for his transportation to the training. Slowly, he started to regain control over his life.

After completing the program, Joseph benefited from career support services and business skills training. He was then placed at Crown Hotel, one of Juba’s premium hotels. His professionalism, dedication, and strong catering skills quickly won the admiration of his peers and supervisors. One of his managers even remarked, “Joseph is adaptable and quick to learn. I would recommend him to any of our franchises globally.”

After a successful three-month internship, Joseph was retained as a full-time employee at the Crown Hotel. Reflecting on his journey, Joseph expressed his gratitude:

“I want to thank Star Trust Organisation (STO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Kingdom of the Netherlands for supporting me and other youth in South Sudan to attain skills I am now proud of. Six months ago, I couldn’t imagine having a job, but now I can take care of my family, send my children to school, and support my parents. I’ve regained my dignity.”

Joseph’s story is a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of vocational training. Initiatives like SEED4Y not only empower youth by equipping them with practical skills and business knowledge but also contribute to the broader socio-economic transformation of South Sudan. By addressing the issue of youth unemployment, fostering private sector development, and responding to local market demands, vocational training offers diverse career pathways and a brighter future for the country’s young population.

Empowering youth in South Sudan is not just about creating jobs—it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and the promise of a better tomorrow.