Bishop in South Sudan Urges Government to Implement Policies to End Youth Unemployment

Bishop Santo Loku Pio Doggale, Auxiliary Bishop of South Sudan’s Juba Archdiocese, has called on the government to implement policies aimed at reducing youth unemployment in the country. Speaking at the 13th graduation ceremony of St. Vincent De Paul Vocational and Community Development Center in Juba on April 28, the bishop emphasized the need for laws and regulations that create job opportunities for South Sudanese citizens.

The bishop urged the government to prioritize local employment, stating that job opportunities should be given first to trained nationals rather than foreign nationals. “Chances should be given for the nationals who are trained if there are projects for work; the first things should be given to the citizens,” he said. He also warned against the idleness of young people, noting that the Church is concerned about those who remain inactive despite the availability of work.

Bishop Loku highlighted the importance of structured employment policies, suggesting that such measures would provide graduates with more opportunities and chances for employment. “These are the chances we want you to create for our young people to work,” he said, underscoring the Church’s role in advocating for economic empowerment.

South Sudanese Minister of Labor, James Hoth Mai, echoed the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through training programs. He stated that the President has directed the ministry to train young people to build the nation and engage with the global community. “This is the program of the government and the President of South Sudan who gave orders for us as the ministry to train young people to work and build the nation,” the minister said.

The minister encouraged graduates to use their skills to start businesses, emphasizing that knowledge gained should not remain confined to home environments. His remarks aligned with the bishop’s call for proactive government action to address unemployment and support the nation’s youth.

The event highlighted the intersection of religious leadership and public policy in addressing socio-economic challenges. Bishop Loku’s appeal reflects a broader concern for the well-being of South Sudan’s youth, framing the issue as a moral and communal responsibility. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, the call to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God is a timeless directive for leaders and communities alike.

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