Pia Philip, undersecretary at the Ministry of Peace Building, at Eye Radio studios on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 | Credit | Lou Nelson/Eye Radio

The Undersecretary in the Ministry of Peacebuilding has called on young people to take part in productive activities that will help them secure a better future.

Pia Philip Michael made the remarks on Friday during a storytelling conference organised by Search for Common Ground in Juba.

Michael urged the youth to use their energy wisely by working hard, saying the future belongs to those who are committed and focused.

“I want to encourage you [youth] to choose productive activities—whether it’s journalism, creative dance, or education—that is the best thing for you,” Michael stated.

“You will not be young forever. The energy you have now should be in a good position so that you will be in a good position as an old person tomorrow. If you stand in the wrong position today, your future, you will sit in future in a wrong position,” he said.

He also encouraged young people to take part in building the nation by helping others and contributing to meaningful community work.

“I want to encourage you to understand your duty towards your country, the Republic of South Sudan. You have talked about doing social cohesion activities in the IDP camps,” he said.

“You have talked about bringing young people together around football and trying to help them in psychosocial support. Those are your responsibilities to the Republic of South Sudan,” he added.

“I want to encourage you to be patriotic, to love your country, and to know that South Sudan belongs to you. Everything you do every day, you are doing it for your country, because this is your country. Love your community and recognize that some of the opportunities you have, your parents never had.”

The Undersecretary said such efforts would help strengthen unity and peace among young people in the country.