By Ginaba Lino
What began as a dream and an institution built from almost nothing is gradually becoming a lasting legacy for generations of young people in Malakal, Upper Nile State.
The Bishop Vincent Vocational Training Centre of the Catholic Diocese of Malakal has credited support from Misereor in Germany for helping turn its vision into a functioning institution that equips young people with practical skills for employment, self-reliance and community development.
For the Diocese, the journey has not been easy. Building the institution from the ground up has required commitment, resources and perseverance. But today, the centre stands as an example of what sustained partnership and investment in young people can achieve.
Bishop Stephen Nyodho Ador of the Catholic Diocese of Malakal expressed his gratitude to Misereor for supporting the establishment and development of the vocational centre.
“Without your support, without your assistance, without your cooperation with the Diocese, this dream would not have come true,” Bishop Nyodho said.
He described the institution as an investment whose impact could extend for generations, predicting that it would train thousands of young people and transform their lives.
“This institution will go for hundreds of years and will graduate thousands of people and will change the lives of thousands of people. And this will still go as a credit to Misereor and the people of Yarlang,” he said.
The Bishop also commended the centre’s director, Mr. Yunus, for taking on the difficult task of building the institution from the beginning.
“It is not easy for somebody to come to start from zero,” he said, recognizing the difficulties and pressure involved in gradually developing the centre into a functioning institution.
The story of the vocational centre also reflects the wider importance of investing in technical and vocational education in a country where many young people need opportunities to acquire practical skills and build independent livelihoods.
During a visit to the centre, Archbishop Stefan Burger encouraged trainees to take advantage of the opportunity before them and remain committed to their education despite the challenges they may face.
“It is very important that you take this chance to do this training, to become independent. And even if it is sometimes difficult for you, do not give up,” Archbishop Burger told the trainees.
He said the vocational training could transform not only students’ lives, but also their families and communities.
“With good training, not only will you have a good future, but so will your families. And you will be able to build communities and secure your future,” he said.
Archbishop Burger also shared a personal story to demonstrate the dignity and transformative power of vocational skills.
He recalled that his father was a mechanic and that his work provided for the family and enabled him to pursue his education.
“My father was a mechanic, and he fed us as a family with this work. Because of his work, I was able to study,” he said.
His message resonated with the trainees, many of whom are pursuing practical skills that could enable them to support their families and contribute to their communities.
For Dr. Fr. Andreas Frick, Director General of Misereor Germany, the progress witnessed at the centre represents the reason for hope despite the significant challenges facing South Sudan.
“We found a lot of hope and a lot of action and a lot of people who do their best, but we know that the challenges are big,” Fr. Frick said.
He expressed hope that continued efforts would gradually contribute to better living conditions, peace and opportunities for families.
According to Bishop Nyodho, the Misereor support therefore goes beyond an institution. It represents an investment in skills, dignity and the future of young people.
For Malakal, the Bishop Vincent Vocational Training Centre is becoming a place where young people can acquire practical knowledge, develop confidence and prepare themselves for a more independent future.
And for Misereor and its partners, the centre demonstrates how investment in people and institutions can create an impact that continues long after an individual project has ended.
What once stood as a dream is now becoming a functioning centre with the potential to graduate thousands of skilled young people.
As Bishop Nyodho put it, the legacy of this investment could continue for hundreds of years, changing lives, strengthening families and contributing to the rebuilding of communities in South Sudan.