The 20 years of violence in Southern Sudan have meant that the majority of its young people have never known a time without war or violent conflict and instability. The loss of social and economic opportunities, security, trust in humankind, and a sense of hope for the future all have a devastating impact on the psychological and socio-economic well-being of youth and the communities that surround them. The war has also destroyed most of the physical infrastructure in the region, disrupted normal trade and production systems, and fractured traditional mechanisms for resolving or mitigating the effects of conflict. Formal and non-formal education opportunities, traditionally lacking in Southern Sudan, continue to be insufficient. Youth are particularly vulnerable to feeling disaffected and marginalized, as few opportunities exist for this group to acquire the capital and skills necessary to support themselves.

Since 2006, the IRC, in partnership with the Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children, has supported a 3-year youth livelihoods pilot project. The pilot project aims to contribute to the social and economic recovery of war-affected communities in Southern Sudan by equipping displaced and vulnerable youth with the transferable and adaptable skill sets needed to sustain their livelihoods. The program’s design was based on a marketable skill survey conducted jointly by IRC and Transitions International in 2006 that involved local leaders, youth and community members.

In the first phase of the program, a total of 138 beneficiaries were placed for skills training in various training centers and apprenticeship arrangements around Juba. The youth were also trained in peer education, business management and career skills. In addition, IRC has trained and supported community based organizations involved in youth and livelihoods activities. Some of the beneficiaries who completed training were provided with toolkits to assist them in starting their own enterprises and put into practice the skills they learned during the training, while other trainees received job placement assistance.

From January to April 2008 the IRC Juba office carried out research to assess the impact of its youth and livelihoods projects conducted between 2006 and 2007 in Juba. The study highlights both the successful aspects of programming such as increasing self-esteem and confidence of trainees as well as some of the challenges faced, including achieving gender balance, providing adequate follow-up and monitoring of trainees, clarity around partnerships with local government and challenges of attracting and retaining qualified staff in programs. The documented findings are expected to be published late in 2008.

Carrie Berg
Youth and Livelihoods Program Manager
Carrie.berg@theirc.org

2006 to 2008