By Ngor Deng Matem
African youth, especially, South Sudanese university students, must proactively safeguard their future through diligent education, practical skill acquisition, digital competence and conduct.
Dr. James Alic Garang, former governor of Bank of South Sudan, offered the guidance to the youth at students’ inauguration ceremony in Juba, over the weakened.
The event was held under the theme “Motivating Students to Embrace New Experiences.'”
Dr Garang, who held the governorship of South Sudan’s central bank from October 2023 had earlier served as a Senior Advisor to the Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington D.C.
Drawing from his extensive career experience, spanning international finance, academia and national development, to deliver the inspirational message.
He emphasized that a university degree alone is insufficient for success.
“You must invest in key employable skills and acquire other serviceable benchmarks, including by acquiring skills in public speaking, communication, public relations, good neighbourliness, office etiquettes, and sound ethical judgment,” Dr Garang counselled.
Holding a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Dr. Garang also advised student leaders to draw inspiration from pioneers. He stressed the need for accountability and collective decision-making within their organizations.
His counsel comes as many African nations, including South Sudan, grapple with a significant youth bulge. Analysts widely concur that this demographic trend, if adequately addressed with robust education and opportunity creation, can transform into a powerful ‘youth dividend’ for economic growth and stability.
Dr Garang specifically urged students to harness the power of online tools and social media not just for communication, but as platforms for job creation and entrepreneurship.
He highlighted opportunities such as patenting online projects, establishing canteens, and offering digital services like printing and data inputting to generate incomes. This emphasis aligns with his belief in creating innovative self-help initiatives and preparing for a tough labor market through internships and investing in technology.
Taking himself as a case study, Dr. Garang narrated his own ordeals as one of the “Lost Boys” who overcame immense hardship to pursue education.
The former governor of Bank of South Sudan, shared personal anecdotes from his time at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He recounted engaging in South Sudanese community leadership, establishing student organizations, participating in debating clubs, and becoming a Ronald E McNair Scholar.
These initiatives, he noted, were instrumental in securing scholarships for his undergraduate and graduate studies and eventually led to him co-founding the Sudd Institute, a premier research institution in South Sudan.
A significant part of Dr. Garang’s address also focused on the critical importance of responsible social media use. He warned that digital footprints are increasingly scrutinized by potential employers for “professional and emotional stability.”
Dr. Garang cited a recent U.S. State Department directive to its embassies, instructing them to review visa applicants’ social media accounts for “biased or malicious views.”
The event was attended by notable figures including Chief Guest Maulana Ateny Wek Ateny, Former Press Secretary in the Office of the President, Members of Parliament Hon James Aguer Alic and Hon Jacob Dau Kuol, and Ayat Students’ Association Chairlady Tina Ajok Akok.