UNESCO launches project to boost literacy skills in South Sudan

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and South Sudan’s Ministry of General Education began a project on Thursday to boost the country’s technical, vocational education, and training programs.
The four-year initiative will be undertaken by nine line ministries in partnership with the country’s general education ministry, with the goal of empowering youth, young women, teachers, and returnees.
According to Hubert Gijzen, UNESCO’s East Africa regional head, a nation’s rehabilitation begins with manpower capacity building, followed by development.
“Skills are essential for poverty reduction, private sector growth, job creation, and self-employment, particularly among young. Skills are critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals “Gijzen said this at the launch event in Juba.
He asked South Sudan to implement a strategy that incorporates literacy into all Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVECT) programs aimed at young people.
“Now is the moment to strengthen local capabilities to accelerate the country’s sustainable development,” he stated.
“This programme will reach 45,000 individuals, including 13,000 adolescents, 60% of whom will be women and girls,” he continued.