On Tuesday, August 13th, 2024, the University of Juba held a TVET for Value Chain Development Project Launch in Senate Hall, where Ms. Mulle Chikoko, the Chief Socio-Economist at African Development Bank, gave an overview of the S-TVET-VCD Project and stressed that the project seeks to enhance technical training capacity of the University of Juba by renovating the School of Applied and Industrial Sciences to comply with safety standards and EST guidelines. It involves upgrading various facilities, including training areas, and laboratories. Ms. Chikoko stated that the project aims to enhance food safety and promote gender equality by training agricultural extension technicians at the University of Juba. Collaborating with industry and relevant sectors, it focuses on overcoming challenges female students face to ensure their participation and success, ultimately fostering inclusivity in agricultural education and advancing gender equity. The project is designed to enhance Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers through capacity building and reform contributions. It involves collaboration with the government and UNESCO to ensure training programs meet international standards and address local workforce requirements, aiming to improve vocational education quality and foster economic growth.
Mrs. Suzzy Albert, the Director General of Aid Coordination, and a representative from the Ministry of Finance and Planning, mentioned that the project aims to secure banking investments and stakeholder support by meeting financing criteria from partners like the African Development Bank (AfDB). It will conduct assessments and feasibility studies to ensure investment readiness, showcasing its viability and sustainability while aligning with broader development goals to foster collaboration and attract potential funders. South Sudan government and the Ministry of Finance and Planning expressed gratitude to the African Development Bank for its longstanding support in the country’s development. They are launching a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative to promote significant change. The partnership with the Bank will help support innovative projects that align with South Sudan’s economic and development objectives, improving the competitiveness and quality of South Sudanese products in both local and international markets.
Mr. Jepson Francis Warru, Director General for Technical Information, Vocational Education, and Training at the National Ministry of General Education and Instruction, spoke on behalf of the acting undersecretary to express gratitude to the African Development Bank and UNESCO for their support in enhancing vocational education in South Sudan. He highlighted the ongoing development of a unified curriculum policy for vocational training, aimed at improving educational coherence and quality across various ministries. With approximately 2.8 million youth out of school, the project is vital for equipping them with essential skills for employment and stability. Warru officially declared the launch of the support TVET project, emphasizing the commitment to provide quality education and training opportunities for the youth of South Sudan to contribute positively to society and the economy.