USAID and its partner organizations distribute in-kind materials to youth groups in WBGs. (-)

The United States international development agency (USAID) and its implementing partners on Friday launched the distribution of equipment valued at $720,000 to 70 youth organizations across the country.

The project initiated by its Education Development Center (EDC) and Women Advanced Organization (WAO), kicked off in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal State as part of the agency’s Youth Empowerment Activity.

In a press statement, USAID said about 17 informal and formal youth groups based in Wau and Jur River counties were partnered with EDC in the program.

Each of the local youth groups has reportedly received in-kind support to strengthen the capacity of youth organizations to deliver efficient training in basic education, livelihood, and entrepreneurship skills.

Since 2022, USAID’s Youth Empowerment Activity has worked with youth groups and volunteer youth trainers to improve access to foundational learning and skills, such as literacy, numeracy, and life skills.

The initiatives reach 25,000 South Sudanese aged 15-29 every four years to equip them with skills to help them lead more productive lives, build livelihoods, and contribute to the social cohesion, economic recovery, and development of communities.

Each youth-serving organization received a kit consisting of 376 items to complement ongoing training and the provision of teaching and learning materials.

The material and equipment include 200 chairs, 10 tables, four solar panels, three bicycles, a laptop, a PA system and projector as well as a two water tanks, two wheelbarrows, and rain gear for facilitators and trainers.

“These items will support community mobilization of youth participants and trainers, manage training centers and classes, and support community service activities initiated by youth,” a joint USAID and partners press statement reads in part.

“These items should be used to ensure that volunteer youth trainers are properly equipped and to help youth-led and youth-serving organizations function as an efficient community-based organization that will be able to support the Youth Empowerment Activity’s learning activities at the Payam levels,” said Patrick Egan, Chief of Party of the activity.

USAID’s four-year Youth Empowerment Activity aims to improve youths’ literacy and numeracy skills, expand livelihood opportunities, increase support for positive behavior change, and improve social cohesion.

The project is implemented in Kapoeta North and Budi (Eastern Equatoria), Akobo, Uror, Duk (Jonglei), Leer, Mayendit and Panyijiar (Unity), Ulang and Baliet (Upper Nile), Wau and Jur River (Western Bahr el Ghazal), and Juba (Central Equatoria).