The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched youth empowerment project to help girls and young women gain skills in Western Bahr El Ghazel State.
“Considering that an estimated 70 percent of South Sudanese are under age 30, the U.S. government recognizes the importance of supporting youth from diverse communities to develop the skills they need for a better future for South Sudan. We are proud to extend support through this Youth Empowerment Activity,” Michael J. Adler, the U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan said in a statement issued in Juba on Thursday.
The $43.5 million four-year youth empowerment initiative launched in Wau will empower a diverse group of 25,000 youth through a Youth Corps Service Model that will train and mentor 500 Youth Corp leaders who will mentor more vulnerable youth with access to learning, livelihoods, civic engagement activities, skill building, and information to make positive health choices.
Kate Crawford, the USAID mission director said USAID Youth Empowerment Activity will help youth in South Sudan including girls and young women to gain knowledge and skills that will enable them to lead healthy and productive lives.
“Despite many challenges, South Sudan’s youth are key to the future peace and development of this country. 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,” Crawford said.
