A Milestone for Technical Education
Sixty trainees marched across Rumbek this week, receiving certificates in tailoring, catering, computer applications and hairdressing. The ceremony crowned a nine-month course run by the Lakes State Ministry of General Education and Instruction with technical oversight from the Ministry of Labour.
Backed by Oxfam and the German BMZ fund, the project was implemented by local NGO DARD, ensuring that women, returnees and people with disabilities formed nearly half the cohort, according to programme coordinator Mary Akot.
Government-Partner Synergy
State Director General Gabriel Maluac Yak praised the collaboration, noting that public agencies supplied curricula while partners provided equipment and stipends. “This fusion keeps training aligned with job markets,” he said.
Governor Rin Tueny Mabor’s administration was commended for maintaining stability that lets classes run uninterrupted, a rarity in conflict-affected zones. Observers say the calm is boosting investor confidence in small service businesses.
Start-Up Kits and Job Creation
Graduates left the hall holding sewing machines, hairdryers and laptops, part of start-up kits valued at about 250 dollars each. Officials believe the tools will catalyse micro-enterprises across Rumbek’s markets within weeks.
Labour Ministry economist Daniel Mayik projects that every new venture could employ two to three assistants, potentially generating 150 additional jobs this quarter. He calls the multiplier effect “a quiet stimulus” for a state facing 13 percent youth unemployment.
Challenges and Next Steps
Power cuts and limited internet coverage still hamper digital skills practice. The Education Ministry says solar panels and a VSAT link are being budgeted for the next intake to keep learning continuous.
A Juba University researcher, Dr. Atem Malok, argues that scaling TVET nationwide requires harmonised certification so graduates can compete across state lines. National policymakers are reviewing a draft framework to that effect by December.
Youth Optimism
Graduate Nyawuor Deng summarised the mood: “With my machine I am no longer waiting for office jobs.” Her sentiment echoes a regional shift towards self-employment, a trend that development partners hope will cement stability and growth.