Wanted: skilled Southern Sudanese workforce. Start date: now.
In this historically underdeveloped region, the effort to rebuild a society shattered by civil war has relied on mechanics, electricians, plumbers and even hotel caterers from neighbouring countries, especially Uganda and Kenya.
Viola Duma and Nurah Keji Jackson. Photo by: Julius N. UmaThe deficit in human resources was deepened by the Southern Sudanese diaspora. But that's about to change.
By taking up technical skills training, young people in Juba are gearing up for nation-building at the ground level. One institution providing the know-how is the Juba Technical School, which trains students in carpentry, building, auto mechanics and welding.
General perceptions that certain jobs are the domain of men are giving way to young women with wrenches, eager to learn the nuts and bolts of auto repair.
As Charlton Doki reports, the trainees hope to find work in the world's newest nation with their newly acquired skills:
