DJOUBA, South Sudan, 20 August 2024 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/ – “International Youth Day provides us, the young generation, with a platform to express our ideas, achievements and concerns to our communities and international partners. It is an opportunity to promote peace through our skills and talents and actively contribute to shaping the future of our beloved country,” said Oriaja James, President of the Eastern Equatoria State Youth Union.
Oriaja delivered this strong message during a ceremony held under the theme “Youth Uniting South Sudan through Art and Innovation” under the auspices of the State Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The youth were joined on the occasion by representatives of government institutions, the state legislature, non-governmental organizations, women-led organizations, civil society, youth and students, and over 2,000 community members attended the event.
The event used music, dance and comedy to convey powerful messages about the impact of conflict, gender-based violence, disunity and the need for education to empower girls.
The young artists, including talented disabled youth, were divided into four groups, a total of 47 talented boys and girls. Their performances dazzled and inspired the audience, with five solo artists, three collaborative artist groups, thirty-three dance groups and three comedians.
“I am very happy to have won the award for best solo artist. I hope this recognition will continue to bring us together and give us a platform to make our voices heard through our work,” said Emmanuel Shugur, who represented the musicians with disabilities.
This year, the United Nations made a strong case for youth empowerment through digital technologies, entrepreneurship and skills training. The focus was on encouraging young people to drive positive change through innovation.
“In Eastern Equatoria, we are supporting the youth centres in Torit and Magwi, and working closely with relevant government institutions to facilitate this process. It is impressive to see that last month, 250 young people successfully completed their training at the vocational centre in Torit,” said Guy Griffin, Head of the UNMISS field office in Torit.
Margaret Iduwa Okuye, Minister of State for Culture, Youth and Sports, has stressed the importance of hard work as the key to success.
“As a government, we will support your efforts and encourage you to lead positive changes by contributing to the development of the nation. Together, we will shape the future we want,” she said.
Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
Source : African Media Agency (AMA)
2024-08-20 11:00:37
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