The most treasured resource in South Sudan can be found in the spirit of our youth
4 min read“The most treasured resource in South Sudan can be found in the spirit of the youths,” Kerbino Wol’s Quote
By Awut Mayom Agok, Rumbek, South Sudan
Saturday, August 18, 2018 (PW) — Young people are increasingly recognized as the best agents for change across the globe because they place a greater hope in their power and ability to shape our future. However, in South Sudan, majority of young people are trapped in poverty and tribalism with few opportunities to learn or to earn a decent living.
In South Sudan, about 72% of the total population are young people below the age of 40 years making them the majority in the country. South Sudan is a youthful nation that is expected to to develop at a faster rate but this is not up-to-the-minute.
Nearly about 85% of the youths in South Sudan below 40 years of age are unemployed. In addition, over 70% South Sudanese are illiterate. The economy of the nation is declining to negative figures on daily basis and the security of the citizens is a nightmare.
If all these young people are allowed to realize their full potential, South Sudan could turn a paradise. Addressing challenges of poverty, insecurity, inequality, poor governance, low youths and women participation in country affairs and youths empowerment to positively transform their lives would put South Sudan to the next level in term of development.
Nevertheless, in an environment where telling the truth and doing the right thing punctures the individualities of the leaders, it is an illusion for youth to dream big.
The more we have young people growing into well-educated, useful, innovative and informed adults with fewer dependents, and no tribalists with new opportunities to acquire Knowledge and wealth, the more they will be able to accelerate security reform, economic growth, and development of this country.
South Sudan should minimise on intimidating youths who are capable of shaping the morals standards of the country. Stop using youths for violence, increase investment in youths through, promoting quality education that prepares them for future opportunities, empowering women and girls, and ensuring their health and human rights are met.
Promote freedom of expression and involve youths in making decisions that affect them. Youths like Kerbino Wol, who is an energetic, young entrepreneur and philanthropist and Peter Biar Ajak who is an activist and an economist are unjustly imprisoned, no formal charges launched against them, and no evidence presented of any wrongdoing.
If the government took the decision of signing peace with rebels who actually use violence as the means of getting power, why unjustly arrest those who are using the nonviolence mean to educate youths on their role in Nation building?
Kerbino Wol has amended so many lives through his businesses and charitable deeds, and his story has inspired a generation of South Sudanese youths. He has devoted his life to his country, and he was working tirelessly to create opportunities for his fellow citizens. Through his business, He has employed a good number of youths in his security company.
Peter Biar Ajak, founded South Sudan Wrestling Entertainment (SSWE), a private company that uses the South Sudanese indigenous sport of wrestling to promote peace and reconciliation among the tribes of South Sudan and among others.
Peter Biar did his best in bringing peace among South Sudanese. The character of these two fellows is what every Nation need in the 21st century. Their Journey of life serves as a motivation to many youths. I join the voices calling for their freedom.
#FreePeterBiar
#FreeKerbinoWol
The author, Awut Mayom Agok, is a school administrator in one of the secondary schools in Rumbek, South Sudan, and can be reached via her email: Nyande Mayom <nyandemayom@gmail.com>
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