The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, on Thursday, handed over a newly rehabilitated Malakal Vocational Training Centre and Joshua Primary School to Upper Nile State authorities.
Funded by the European Union (EU), the project aims to support long-term recovery in displacement-affected regions of South Sudan. The events were attended by senior government officials, including the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Paulino Onyaw, who represented the Governor of Upper Nile State; among other officials.
The handovers are part of Regional Response to the Sudan Crisis Programme, jointly implemented by IOM and UNHCR across Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.
The programme is designed to enhance essential service delivery, economic resilience, and social cohesion in communities affected by displacement.
“For the EU, investing in education and skills development is particularly important, as it means investing in South Sudan’s future,” says Massimo Scalorbi, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to South Sudan.
“The Joshua Primary School and the Vocational Training Centre handed over today are especially meaningful for Malakal – not only because they create new opportunities for people affected by displacement, but also because, by offering services to everyone, they help bring communities together.”
The Malakal Vocational Training Centre was once the largest of its kind in South Sudan but had fallen into decline due to conflict and lack of resources.
Recognizing its potential, IOM began a complete renovation in September 2024. This included upgrading training facilities, building a perimeter fence, and providing equipment for skills training in areas like auto mechanics, carpentry, and IT.
IOM also created a long-term plan for the Malakal and Bentiu vocational training centres to ensure they remain sustainable and improve the quality of education offered.
“Rehabilitating this centre signals renewed hope for the community,” said IOM Chief of Mission, Vijaya Souri. “It equips youth and vulnerable populations with the skills needed to drive sustainable economic growth and recovery.”
Meanwhile, UNHCR completed the rehabilitation of Joshua Primary School, making it a safer and more welcoming place for children, many of whom come from displaced families.
The renovations included new classrooms, teachers’ offices, a warehouse, and gender-segregated latrines for better sanitation.
“Education plays a vital role in fostering resilience and strengthening social cohesion, especially for vulnerable communities affected by displacement. The rehabilitation of Joshua Primary School is an important step toward building a more inclusive and stable future for both displaced and host populations,” said Marie-Helene Verney, UNHCR Representative in South Sudan.
With the handover of the VTC and Joshua Primary School, IOM, UNHCR, and the EU, in partnership with the Government of South Sudan, are working towards a more stable and self-reliant future for communities affected by conflict and displacement.
