74 former children associated with armed groups graduate from vocational training in Yambio

 Seventy-four former children associated with armed groups have graduated from a six-month vocational skills training programme in Yambio, Western Equatoria State, as part of efforts to support their reintegration into civilian life.

The graduates, drawn from Yambio, Ezo and Tambura counties, received training in plumbing, tailoring, masonry, electrical installation and other vocational trades under the Save Lives Initiative.

The programme was designed to equip the former child soldiers with practical skills to help them become self-reliant, earn a living and rebuild their lives after leaving armed groups.

The Caretaker Governor of Western Equatoria State, Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa, attended Wednesday’s graduation ceremony, where he presented certificates and vocational toolkits to the graduates.

According to the programme information, the participants had previously been associated with the SPLA-IO and other armed groups before undergoing identification, assessment, registration and reintegration processes.

The six-month initiative, supported by the Western Equatoria State Government, seeks to provide former child soldiers with opportunities to develop vocational skills and transition into productive civilian lives.

The graduation marks a step in ongoing efforts to support the reintegration of children affected by armed conflict through education, skills development and livelihood opportunities.