03/09/2026
WPDI Opens Free Skills Training Programme for Youth and Women from Lainya County
Juba, South Sudan — September 3, 2026:
The Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI), founded by renowned actor and peace advocate Forest Whitaker, has opened registration for a free three-month skills development programme targeting youth and women from Lainya County.
The programme is aimed at equipping participants with practical skills in peacebuilding and conflict resolution, entrepreneurship and small business development, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
According to the Lainya County Coordination Office in Juba, the training is being offered completely free of charge, providing an important opportunity for young people and women who are interested in acquiring skills that can help them become self-reliant and contribute to the development of their communities.
Three Key Areas of Training
Participants will receive training in three major areas:
1. Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution — helping communities prevent and manage conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence.
2. Entrepreneurship and Business Skills — equipping participants with knowledge to start and manage small businesses rather than relying solely on formal employment opportunities.
3. Computer and ICT Skills — helping participants gain basic digital skills needed in today's increasingly technology-driven world.
The training will run for three months, with sessions held twice a week for two hours at the WPDI Center in Gudele Hai Kugi, near Kugi Primary School and Green Hill.
Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will receive a certificate, which may support their efforts to seek employment, establish businesses, or further their education and skills development.
Registration Now Open
Registration started on September 2, 2026, and will continue until September 11, 2026. Interested applicants are therefore encouraged to register before the deadline.
The programme is open to South Sudanese nationals who have basic knowledge of English and are committed to completing the three-month training. Participants are expected to arrange their own transportation and drinking water.
The Lainya County Coordination Office has called on young people and women from the county to take advantage of the opportunity.
Speaking about the initiative, the Coordinator of the Lainya County Coordination Office in Juba urged young people not to remain idle but instead acquire skills that can help them build a better future.
The Coordinator emphasized that the opportunity could contribute to the long-term development of Lainya County by producing skilled entrepreneurs, peacebuilders, and digitally literate young people.
“This certificate is not just paper. It is your future.”
The Coordinator also appealed to residents to share the information widely through WhatsApp groups, among relatives, friends, neighbours, and community networks so that no eligible youth misses the opportunity simply because they did not receive the information.
For registration inquiries and further information, interested applicants can contact WPDI directly on +211 921 670 651.
The Lainya County Coordination Office has expressed appreciation to WPDI for providing the training opportunity free of charge and for supporting the development of South Sudanese youth.
The message from the Lainya County Coordination Office is clear: young people are encouraged to seize the opportunity, acquire skills, and become active contributors to the rebuilding and development of Lainya County.
