For months, the Rumbek Youth and Sports Association (RYSA) has been at the forefront of a spirited campaign, urging the Lakes State government to prioritize youth employment.
Their message was simple but powerful: talented, educated young people across the state remain idle not because they lack skills, but due to lack of opportunities.
In most communities across Lakes State, many youth complete secondary and tertiary education only to find themselves struggling to secure jobs that allow them to contribute meaningfully to development.
This persistent redundancy has long been a source of frustration, weakening innovation and eroding hope among young population.
But in late November this year, a significant breakthrough arrived. One of RYSA’s active volunteers, Mr. Kuol Mathubier Kucdhal, who has been part of key engagements on youth matters, was appointed Mayor of Rumbek Municipality.
The news sparked excitement among young people, who saw the appointment not only as a personal achievement for him but also a symbolic victory for all youth advocating for representation.
Many described it as a cornerstone of development, marking a new era where young voices gain space in leadership structures previously dominated by older generations.
According to the locals, the milestone was not achieved by chance but as a result of sustained advocacy, community mobilization, and structured dialogue with government leaders.
Throughout the push, multiple dialogues were held in Rumbek town, bringing together youth groups and top state officials to discuss the pressing need for youth inclusion in governance and employment.
“During our series of government dialogues held within Rumbek Centre, we invited key leaders, including the Minister of Youth and Sports as well as the representatives of the state assembly,” said Abass Mayek Mayen, the RYSA’s Executive Director.
The discussions opened doors for young people to express their concerns directly to policymakers.
William Koji Kerjok, the State Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, and other officials attended the latest dialogue in November and acknowledged the growing demand for youth empowerment.
While commending the local organization for community-focused initiatives, he expressed the government’s willingness to engage with youth on development matters.
Raphael Bang Mayor, the Chairperson of the specialized committee on Youth and Sports at the Lakes State Legislative Assembly, emphasized the need for more youth representation both in the civil service and political offices.
“We need our youth to be employed within the government,” Bang said during the session.
“The Assembly is currently closed, but once it reopens, we will take these concerns to the Speaker. There must be more young people participating in the affairs of the State Assembly,” he added.
The commitment reinforced the belief among youth that meaningful change was possible especially when leaders and citizens collaborate.
Abbas Mayek Mayen, the RYSA’s Executive, welcomed the appointment of one of their own volunteers as the new town mayor.
“A member of RYSA being appointed the Mayor of Rumbek is a testament to what collective advocacy can achieve. This is not just for him – it is a victory for every young person who believes in hard work, perseverance, and peaceful engagement,” Mayen said.
The initiative was supported by the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), which has been funding several youth-focused programs.
Under the youth employment conversation, dialogues, workshops, and stakeholder engagements efforts were significantly boosted to further partnership. Over 100 stakeholders were reached.
As Lakes State transitions toward youth inclusion, hopes remain high that conversation around youth employment matters would continue to open doors for many other young people.
With continued lobby, coordination, and commitment, more young people are expected to be absorbed into government roles, particularly in areas where youthful innovation is urgently needed.
For the youth of Lakes State, the message is clear: when young people organize, speak up, and engage positively, the system listens.
