CES ministries, partners launch youth initiative to curb crime

The Central Equatoria State Ministries of Culture, Youth and Sports, General Education and Instruction, and Peacebuilding, in partnership with the National Ministry of Peacebuilding and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), will next week launch a joint initiative aimed at reducing youth involvement in crime and gang-related activities.

The programme will engage young people and teenagers through community-based activities intended to discourage criminal behaviour and promote peaceful coexistence.

The initial phase of implementation will focus on Juba City and parts of Luri and Rejaf, with particular attention given to young people involved in gang activities.

As part of the initiative, the partners will establish Peace Clubs in schools to encourage dialogue, conflict resolution, and a culture of peace among students.

The project will also conduct public awareness campaigns to educate communities on the importance of preventing youth violence and promoting positive social values.

According to the organisers, the initiative is expected to strengthen collaboration between government institutions, development partners, schools, and local communities in addressing the root causes of youth crime while creating opportunities for young people to contribute positively to society.