Political stability and development rank high among the expectations of Lakes State youth for the new nation voted in the referendum.
These expectations were expressed to Good News Radio by various youth.Nineteen-year old Clara Achok Wol said that she expects her new country to be politically stable after over two decades of civil conflict.
She also expects progress in the education system through the development of a national syllabus to replace the Ugandan and Kenyan programmes adopted during years of war.
Ms. Achok, who wants to be a medical doctor, said South Sudan should be self-sufficient in food production through both subsistent and commercial farming coupled with the construction of a reliable roads network.
She appealed to her fellow students to translate their education into practical skills that can help the community.
Twenty seven year old Peter Ring Arik called on Southern Sudanese to uphold unity and avoid ethnic conflicts, adding that peaceful co-existence will give a better image of a new nation.
He told his fellow citizens not to allow politicians to use them to serve their interests.
Mr. Ring added that South Sudan has sufficient land to produce crops both for consumption within the community and for export.
The youth of South Sudan were united in campaigns for separation during the period leading to the referendum, expressing hope that an independent country will give them a better life.