Japan and UNITAR Successfully Conclude South Sudan Fellowship Programme 2015 Cycle and Launch the Next 2016 Cycle

10 March 2016, Juba, South Sudan – The UNITAR Hiroshima Office and the Embassy of Japan in South Sudan, together with the Government of South Sudan, jointly announced the successful conclusion of the inaugural 2015 Cycle of the UNITAR South Sudan Fellowship Programme, a five-month specialized capacity building training programme for South Sudan, at the completion ceremony held in Juba today. The launch of the next 2016 Cycle was also proclaimed on that occasion.

Outcome of the 2015 Cycle

Focusing on project development and implementation, the 2015 Cycle trained twenty South Sudanese participants (Fellows), including eight women, who were chosen from twenty public sector and civil society organizations. The programme used blended learning methodology, including three workshops, asynchronous training modules and assignments. Each Fellow undertook an Organizational Needs Assessment and developed, throughout the programme, a project proposal that addresses contemporary challenges and problems in South Sudan. In a South-South cooperation initiative, senior professionals from Afghanistan mentored the Fellows as they developed the project proposals.

The 2015 Cycle began with Workshop I, held in Juba, South Sudan, in November 2015, which introduced the Fellows to theory and best practice for needs assessment and analysis. Workshop II was held in Tokyo and Hiroshima, Japan, in January 2016 and focused on the tools and processes for the successful implementation of projects. It also allowed the Fellows to learn about the post-conflict reconstruction experiences of the city of Hiroshima, known as the “City of Peace”, and the tangible and intangible processes that can lead to effective recovery and development. A public session, with a range of panellists who have hands-on experience working for South Sudan, was held in Tokyo at the United Nations University. The panel shared with the audience of 100 people, the achievements, challenges and opportunities that South Sudan faces. During their time in Hiroshima, the Fellows were deeply moved by the messages of peace and hope shared by the city and its citizens. The final workshop in Juba, which concluded today, examined skills and techniques for strong leadership and effective communication, with the Fellows presenting their completed proposals.

Examples of the project proposal topics include: “Strengthening of Logistical Management Skills in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management”, “Develop and strengthen capacity for better service delivery in the Office of State Protocol” and “Increased dissemination of life skills information and messages to the public through Eye Media”.

Mihoko Kumamoto, Head of the UNITAR Hiroshima Office, congratulated the Fellows on completing the programme, and thanked the Government of Japan for their continued support. “Equipped with the skills and knowledge to implement effective projects and contribute to organizational change within their respective ministry or organization, the completion of the programme is an important milestone in the Fellows’ journey to building a stronger, more resilient South Sudan. The Fellows’ proposals are action plans for implementation and I look forward to seeing the future successes of the Fellows. The expansion of the programme in 2016, with the support of the Japanese Government, is important to help develop the human capacity needed for South Sudan’s nation building. Together with my colleagues at the UNITAR Hiroshima and UNITAR Juba liaison office, we are proud to be working for the people of South Sudan” said Ms. Kumamoto.

The Japanese Ambassador to South Sudan, Kiya Masahiko, praised the Fellows, saying, “I believe the learning undertaken over the last five months, including the inspirations gained from their visit to Tokyo and Hiroshima, has provided a solid foundation which will allow the Fellows to help shape the nation’s peace and prosperity. I was greatly impressed by the Fellows’ passion and commitment, and I look forward to their making a great difference in respective organizations ”

Launch of the 2016 Cycle

The 2016 Cycle of the UNITAR South Sudan Fellowship Programme will continue to develop the indigenous project management and leadership capacity in South Sudan, with a focus on youth and social entrepreneurship. The programme will be expanded to 25 Fellows from a broader range of government and civil society organizations. In addition, five graduates from the 2015 Cycle will be selected to act as Coaches for the 2016 Cycle. They will receive additional “Coaching-for Coaches” training, and play an important role in contextualizing the themes of the programme for the changing landscape within South Sudan, and guiding the new Fellows.

Application forms, including the list of target organizations, for the 2016 Cycle will be made available shortly, with the cycle’s first workshop expected to be held in the second quarter of 2016.

About the Programme

UNITAR, with funding support from the Government of Japan, have developed this unique five-month-long training programme to cultivate the project development skills, knowledge and attitudes of selected public servants and civil society representatives of the world’s newest nation. The programme features blended learning methodology and includes three workshops–two in Juba, and one in Hiroshima, Japan. Each workshop is linked by training modules and participant-led projects.

The programme is being coordinated with the support of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is the political focal point for the programme and the Ministry of Labour, Public Service and Human Resource Development is the operational focal point.

For more information

Download the joint press release (PDF).

Read more about the South Sudan Fellowship Programme.

Read about the 2015 Cycle's Workshop I and Workshop II. 

At UNITAR Hiroshima

Shamsul Hadi SHAMS (Mr.) | e-mail: shamsul.shams@unitar.org | Phone: +81 82 511 2424

At Embassy of Japan in South Sudan

Koji ITO (Mr.) | e-mail: koji.ito-2@mofa.go.jp | Phone: +211 956 481 145

Photos: Photos from the UNITAR South Sudan Fellowship Programme 2015 - Workshop III held in Juba, South Sudan.