Unity state: youths blame unemployment on poor gov’t policy

By: Bonifacio Taban Kuich

August 28, 2013 (BENTIU) – Youths in Unity State have in a series of meetings with the state minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Tebuom Jany Rial, blamed their unemployment on poor government policies.

In response to the youth complaints, Minister Tebuom Jany Rial said his government will fight for youth interests so those with the needed skills are able to get jobs in government and the private sector.

Tebuom Jany Rial said this in several meetings with youth representatives in the state.

The meetings with the youth, the Minister said, had made him realise the full extent of youth unemployment.

“We [Unity officials] have a lot of tasks to do. The priority is for youths in Unity state to be employed mostly those who have completed their university studies including those still studying so they can work in various government departments, oil companies and organization that operate in Unity state or nationwide this”, said Rial.

Rial said the authorities are working towards giving priority to local residents whose areas produce oil.

“We cannot say the South Sudanese who are living in the South should not work for oil fields. We can only say the priority shall be given first to oil production areas. Area residents must have more chances compared to other South Sudanese,’’ said the Unity State minister.

James Mabor Chany, a youth representative from Unity said if the youth are considered for jobs it will increase their productivity and help in the development of the state.

“Off course if the government decides that it is going to put all youths into the consideration, taking them to the company, this state will be develop soon”, said Chany.

Michael Miyom Minyiel, a project director for Sudanese American Orphans Rehabilitation organization working in Unity’s Parieng County says his organization is already providing employment to a small group of youths.

Minyiel says with more funding for his organisation, he hopes to provide employment for 25 more youths.

But even with if Minyiel’s organisation provides an additional 25 jobs for the youth, many more in Unity State will still remain jobless.

(ST)