Despite making up the majority of South Sudan's population, most youth are unemployed.
The main causes of unemployment include economic recession, illiteracy, technological advancement, and globalization.
South Sudan’s weak education system, where learners acquire theoretical skills rather than practical skills, is also a contributing factor.
Speaking at a public outreach and mentorship program, Dr. Abraham Kuol Nyuon stated that practical skills are the true currency of success in the modern job market.
"In the current context of modernization, job opportunities are given to people with skills,” Kuol said on Sunday in Juba.
“If you don't have the skills, some of the few skills are learned in the class, but for more skills, you should be able to get them by yourself.”
The mentorship program, organized by the Twic East Students’ Association (TESA) at the University of Juba, was attended by learners and educators.
Kuol stated the limitations of traditional education systems and encourages individuals to look beyond mere academic qualifications.
“This concept of going to school in the name of getting degrees will make us get a job. If you want to succeed, take yourself ahead and let the degree follow you,” Kuol explained.
He draws inspiration from the experiences of those who have ventured into the West countries, where university degrees are viewed more as symbolic than essential.
"Those who have been to the West, university degrees are just symbols. But people value skills, not the degree itself," he noted.
To thrive in today's competitive landscape, the senior lecturer believes that individuals must first unlock their own potential.
"For youth to be productive in society, they must unlock the locked mind. They must unblock the blocked mind. You must understand the market that you are assuming,” he emphasized.
He urges young people to begin the process of self-transformation.
"The opportunity is present for the people who are serious about making a change in society. Therefore, if the youth want to be productive, you must begin by changing yourself so that other people see change in you, and that change in you will lead to productivity," he added.
Last Friday, 490 young people in Juba graduated from the USAID Youth Empowerment Activity, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward better employment opportunities.
The graduates completed a rigorous four-and-a-half-month training program focused on job readiness, English for the workplace, and essential life and soft skills.
The program aims to equip South Sudan’s youth with the necessary tools to thrive in the competitive job market, addressing the country's high unemployment rate.
Experts stress the need for more action to promote young people's education and employment in South Sudan.