February 18, 2025 – WPDI is proud to announce a new partnership with Zain South Sudan to launch the program “Enhancing Corporate Sustainability Strategies in South Sudan.” This initiative, which kicked off last month, is focusing on climate action, inclusion, and the empowerment of youth across the country. Over the course of the year, the program will be implemented across three states: Central Equatoria State (Juba in the city and in the POC), Eastern Equatoria State (Budi and Nimule), and Western Equatoria State (Maridi and Yambio).
The project will provide training in environmental conservation to 50 youth and women, equipping them with essential green skills. The idea is for these individuals to then establish environmental clubs in schools across five counties, resulting in 25 active clubs. Each of these schools will cultivate its own garden to promote environmental stewardship and sustainability among students. The environmental clubs will also lead green environment cover campaigns, planting and distributing 40 fruit tree seedlings per club to enhance the green cover in their communities.
In addition to green skills development, the program will focus on health, safety, and environmental adaptation. 60 youths and women will receive training in Business & Entrepreneurship with an emphasis on environmentally friendly business practices. To support their entrepreneurial ambitions, the program will then organize Business Plan Competitions in each of the five counties. The five best business ideas from each county will receive backstopping support and seed funding to help them establish their businesses, resulting in 25 new, sustainable small businesses that help reinforce socio-economic stability in the local area.
Inclusion is also a key pillar of the program. 60 women will be trained in ICT skills, learning to operate mobile phones and access online resources. To facilitate their connectivity and digital inclusion, participants will be provided with data bundles, SIM cards, portable solar panels, and access to the Internet. Additionally, the program will train trainers in sign language to promote greater inclusion of individuals with hearing impairments.
The program will also address the needs and aspirations of South Sudan’s youth through its “Generation Youth” component. Young people will receive training in ICT and business skills and will also have the opportunity to participate in Business Plan Competitions designed to foster income generation. Fresh graduates will benefit from workshops on CV and resume development as well as job interview coaching to increase their employment prospects. Furthermore, the program will conduct back-to-school campaigns and provide counseling to encourage school dropouts to re-enter the education system and pursue their academic goals.
This new partnership with Zain builds on a strong history of collaboration and shared commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment in South Sudan. WPDI and Zain aim to bring together our common expertise, and deep knowledge of local contexts and resources in order to create lasting positive change, fostering a future where environmental responsibility, inclusion, and youth-driven innovation go hand in hand.
