USAID Mission Director Kate Crawford (holding a white cap), Sarah Cleto Rial Governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal (in blue shirt) and other officials launch the USAID youth empowerment activity in Wau town. (Photo: Sara Cleto office/Facebook).

The U.S. Agency for International Development has launched its youth empowerment activity to equip South Sudan youth with knowledge and skills to help them lead healthy, engaged, and productive lives.

The program will also support girls and young women in the country.

The four-year initiative, with an approved funding of 43.5 million dollars, will empower a diverse group of 25,000 youth through a Youth Corps Service Model.

The model will train and mentor 500 Youth Corp leaders who will then mentor more youth with access to learning, livelihoods, civic engagement activities, skill building, and information to make positive health choices.

The activity was launched in Wau town of Western Bahr el Ghazal state on Thursday, by USAID’s Mission Director in South Sudan, Kate Crawford.

“Despite many challenges, South Sudan’s youth are key to the future peace and development of this country,” said Ms. Crawford.

“Young South Sudanese can and should lead the way in building peace among communities, recognizing the value of South Sudan’s diversity, and developing this nation.”

On his part, the U.S. ambassador to South Sudan, Michael J. Adler said Washington recognizes the importance of supporting youth from diverse communities to develop the skills they need for a better future for South Sudan.

Governor Sarah Cleto Rial also said: “We are grateful that Western Bahr el Ghazal State will benefit from this program that will enable the youth to aquire technical training and more education opportunities.”

Young people in South Sudan, make up an estimated 72% of the population, but face numerous challenges that limit their access to education and livelihoods opportunities.

The U.S. development agency has selected Education Development Center to implement the youth empowerment initiative.

Washington is the leading international donor to South Sudan, providing lifesaving assistance through its development agency – USAID.

It provides support in the areas of nutrition, emergency water and sanitation interventions, healthcare, and education among others.