E. Equatoria: leaders and youth welcome state dialogue forum
December 16, 2013 (TORIT) – Leaders and youth in South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria state have welcomed the formation of a youth dialogue forum, considered a platform to structurally transform the participation of young people in the country’s civic and political arena.
Clement Laku, the acting governor of the state said the forum should provide youth with avenues for innovative ideas, urging them not to over rely on the public sector for employment.
“As youth, you need to focus on private sector which is capable of accommodating most of them. Ensure that you utilise all the available natural resources with the state,” he said.
Laku was speaking at the end of a four-day workshop organised by South Sudan Youth Participation Agency (SSYPA), with support from the Norwegian based The Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights.
Majority of the youth, in separate interviews with Sudan Tribune, lauded the formation of the youth dialogue forum, which brought together about 30 young people from all over the eight counties of Eastern Equaotoria state.
Epone Emmanuel Lolimo, president of the state youth union
Oyet James, Magwi county
The youth dialogue forum is a good opportunity and I think it will help us solve the so many problems affecting the youth in the state. This forum, as you know, is the first of its kind and will play a key role in the addressing our challenges. Those elected on the committee should work together as a team so that we realise solutions to our problems.
Ukonga Valentino, Lopa/Lafon county
John Loboi, Equotos county
Madit Malek, chairman national youth dialogue forum
Nickolai Hegerton, project coordinator at The Oslo Center
Amaal Innocent, Magwi county
As a youth, I think this dialogue forum is a better way of bringing the youth together and I am happy with the gender representation of the people nominated. However, I expect the steering committee to bring the youth together and we expect changes at the end of it all.
Elizabeth Lodou, Kapeota South county
Lokang Agustine Okocha, Budi county
The first of its kind in the state and I like the manner in which was peaceful formed. As a member of the steering committee, I expect all the members to work together as a team so that we can come up with proper solutions to the youth problems in the state.
Lorawa Mark, Kapeota East county
Philemon Lokai, Kapeota South county
(ST)
– http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article49184