425 ex-combatants graduated in Rumbek on Friday after having completed either small business or vocational training.
The training was organized by the German International Cooperation Services (Gtz), contracted by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Good News Radio reported.Lakes State Minister for Rural Development Jok Ayom Majak encouraged the newly graduated to take the gained skills to the rural areas to help stop the flow of populations to urban areas.
He said the State government will solicit funds after the celebration of Independence to provide loans for the skilled ex-combatants to enhance their enterprises.
Phanuel Adwer spoke on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization. He congratulated the ex-combatants for their efforts throughout the training.
He urged them to develop their skills in order to become full business people.
Mr. Adwer appealed to the government to support the ex-combatants with loans.
So far, over 1,600 ex-combatants in Lakes State have completed training and 1,200 received start up kits.