Vocational training centers to be labour-market driven *JUBA, 24 October 2013* - The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that the training being offered in vocational training centres in South Sudan equips trainees with the relevant practical skills and knowledge for the labour market and self-employment.
The national Minister for Labour, Public Service and Human Resource Development, Hon Ngor Kolong Ngor, said that in line with this commitment, the Ministry had established a Directorate of Vocational Training and developed a draft vocational training policy. Ngor further said that the Juba Multi-service Training Centre (MTC) had also been refurbished with assistance from the Japanese government. The Minister made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by an Advisor in the Ministry, Mr Deng Chuol Malang, during the official opening of a validation workshop on the South Sudan Vocational Training Policy and Curricula at the Juba MTC. The Minister said that once adopted, the draft national Vocational Training Policy and Curricula will provide a strengthened, coherent and coordinated technical, vocational education and training system that responds to market needs, fosters development, social cohesion and nation building. “You are all aware that today’s world is a highly dynamic one with information, communication and technology innovations dictating the pace of economic growth. South Sudan has no intention to be left behind. Therefore, vocational training coupled with the latest ICT skills for our youth will spur economic prosperity in our country,” Ngor said. He said the Ministry would work closely with the private sector and build partnerships aimed at achieving synergies in service delivery and implementation of programmes especially in the area of skills training. “The private sector is the engine of economic growth in today’s free market economy. The Ministry will therefore work closely with the private sector to identify the skills gaps in the economy”, Hon. Ngor said. Speaking at the workshop, Labour Undersecretary Madam Hellen Achiro Lotara disclosed that the draft vocational training policy was developed with technical and financial support from the International Labour Organization and development partners. Madam Hellen said the world today was highly dynamic and competitive, adding that South Sudan must keep up with new innovations in the labour and technological market. “We want to train manpower for the local and international market. Our training policy and curricula should therefore meet international labour market standards,” she said. Also present at the workshop was the Central Equatoria state Minister for Labour, Public Service and Human Resource Development, Hon Lilly Kapuki Paul Jurkin. * By Martin Ali and Simon Owaka * President Kiir regrets Twic East killing *JUBA, 24 October 2013* – The President of the Republic of South Sudan Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit has condemned in the strongest possible terms the recent killing of unarmed civilians in Twic East County of Jonglei State on Sunday 20th of October 2013 by armed groups operating in the area. The President deeply regrets the “senseless killing of innocent civilians” that resulted into the loss of 79 lives, including women and children. Read more<http://www.goss-online.org/magnoliaPublic/en/news/mainColumnParagraphs/02/content_files/file/Press%20Release%20on%20Jongle%20dead%20toll%2024-10-2013.pdf> South Sudan appeals for the appointment of Abyei referendum chair *JUBA, 24 October (NASS)* - The government of south Sudan is appealing to the African union to appoint the chairperson of the Abyei Referendum Commission so that it can allow Sudan and South Sudan appoint members into the commission. Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin said it’s very important to see the chairperson appointed to allow the exercise take place since it is an AU led initiative. *Members of the diplomatic core during the meeting* [Photo: Martin Jada] The minister made the remarks yesterday while briefing the diplomatic community on the one to one meeting of the two presidents. Dr. Benjamin said although the summit of the two presidents agree on the opening of the borders between Sudan and South Sudan, the border line from Heglig to the oil fields are still closed, Dr. Benjamin said while urging Khartoum to open the Heglig border cross. He noted that it is difficult at moment for oil companies to operate smoothly because their spare parts are on the other side of the border, which is inaccessible at the moment. In another development, the minister said the government is taking tough measures against the perpetrators who on last Sunday massacred people and forced many fleeing from Jonglei’s Twic East county. He said the attacks are “unacceptable” and strongly condemned by the government. So far 79 people have been reportedly and many more wounded. *Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan * Government distances itself from any unilateral decision to conduct Abyei referendum *JUBA, 24 October 2013 (NASS) *- The government of the Republic of South Sudan has said it will not be part of any unilateral decision to conduct a referendum in the contested border region of Abyei that is not backed by any status. The minister for Information and Broadcasting Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth said the fate of Abyei referendum lies with the African Union and the United Nation as the President has already written to the two bodies over the matter. *Hon. Makuei briefing the press yesterday* [Photo: Francis Oliver] Hon. Makuei who is also the official government Spokesman said for the referendum to be successful, certain fundamental issues must be addressed which include the formiation of joint Abyei Administration to oversee the voter registration exercise. Hon. Makuei explained that the holding of the Abyei referendum is now beyond the government of South Sudan as the matter is now before the continental body urging pressure groups that have threatened to go ahead with the referendum that they will be acting in bad faith. He said the African Union was supposed to have visited Abyei area on 21st of this month but the tour was latter postponed to enable further preparation. The minister while pleading for patience from the people of Abyei said the two presidents in the Juba 22 October summit, committed themselves to the formation of Abyei joint administration and setting up joint security teams which will them create a conducive environment for the holding of the referendum, Michael Makuei was speaking to the media where he underscored the outcome of “the landmark meeting” between the two Presidents Salva Kiir and his Sudan counterpart Omer el Bashier which took place in Juba. *Reported by Francis Oliver , News Agency of South Sudan(NASS* -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "South Sudan Info - The Kob" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. 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