The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), on Tuesday announced the design of a new activity to help youth in South Sudan gain knowledge, skills, and competencies that will enable them to lead healthy, engaged, and productive lives in their communities.

According to a press release, the activity will be implemented in 13 counties that are the focus of USAID/South Sudan’s Strategic Framework and will support youth to gain knowledge and apply skills they need to lead productive lives and contribute positively to their communities.

The USAID/South Sudan Mission Director, Haven Cruz-Hubbard, said the activity will provide an opportunity for the targeted youth to access services.

“This planned activity will provide a unique opportunity for youth in South Sudan’s most marginalized and conflict-affected areas to access services that will provide multiple benefits including functional literacy, numeracy, soft and life skills, including social and emotional skills, and access to entrepreneurial and vocational opportunities,” Cruz said.

According to USAID, the new activity will support behavior change among the youth to make positive adolescent reproductive health choices, adopt equitable gender norms, and engage in activities to build social cohesion among youth and their communities.

The youth in South Sudan are constrained by many challenges, ranging from limited access to basic social services, such as education and health, to widespread unemployment and limited opportunities to engage in productive livelihoods.

Half of South Sudan’s population is under the age of 18, and over 72 percent are under the age of 30. Despite making up such a significant portion of the population, youth in South Sudan are among the most marginalized, underserved, and untapped segments of the population, the statement said.

The counties where the activity will take place are Kapoeta North and Budi counties in Eastern Equatoria State; Akobo, Duk, Pibor, and Uror counties in Jonglei State; Leer, Mayendit, and Panyijar counties in Unity State; Baliet and Ulang counties in Upper Nile State; and Jur River and Wau counties in Western Bahr-el Ghazal State.

Source: Radio Tamazuj