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Building Futures through Blended Digital Learning in Ruweng Administrative Area, South Sudan
In Ruweng Administrative Area (RAA) of South Sudan, where displacement and uncertainty have become all too common, Ajuong Thok and Pamir Refugee Camps were allocated by the government of RAA to accommodate the influx of refugees fleeing conflict in the neighboring Nuba Mountains of Sudan into South Sudan. Amidst the challenges faced by these refugees, Danish Refugee Council Vocational Training Centers (VTC) have been crucial in providing essential skills and education to those seeking to rebuild their lives.
Established in 2015 with funds from the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (BPRM), the VTCs were created to empower refugees and host communities in Ajuong Thok and Pamir through vocational training.
Since their inception, these centers have received vital support from DANIDA and UNHCR, enabling them to provide much-needed training and resources to the refugees and host-communities.
However, with DANIDA's funding concluding in 2022, the VTC now relies solely on UNHCR for financial support. Despite these challenges, the center remains committed to its mission of fostering self-reliance through skill development.
This year, with continued support from UNHCR, DRC renovated a classroom at the Ajuong Thok Vocational Training Center, introducing a new computer course that has enrolled 40 students—25 male and 15 females—including 27 refugees and 13 members from the host communities.
This renovation is not just a structural enhancement; it signifies the integration of blended digital learning, a crucial advancement in the center’s educational offerings.
Ajuong Thok Vocational Training Center has long been a cornerstone for those seeking to acquire practical skills necessary for their future.
The newly established digital learning centre now provides training in computer skills, equipping both refugees and host community members with essential digital literacy tools needed in today’s job market.
Over a four -month period, the students enrolled will gain hands-on experience in areas ranging from basic computer operations to introductory coding, skills increasingly critical in various sectors.
For many of these students, this training represents their first encounter with digital technology. The blended learning model, which combines in-person instruction with digital resources, offers a flexible and adaptive learning experience, tailored to meet the diverse needs of a student body that has often faced significant disruptions in their education due to conflict and displacement.
Among the students is Nasra, a 22-year-old refugee from the Nuba Mountains. Having been forced to abandon her education when she fled her home, Nasra's journey has been filled with uncertainty.
She expressed her excitement and relief upon learning about the computer skills training program and eagerly enrolled.
For Nasra and her peers, these skills represent more than just newfound knowledge—they are a gateway to future opportunities.
The training covers not only basic computer literacy but also more advanced topics such as internet navigation, email communication, and introductory coding. These competencies are essential for accessing the evolving job market, whether within the camp, in local communities, or beyond.
This initiative not only provides students with vital skills but also supports DRC’s broader mission to promote sustainable livelihoods through micro-enterprise development and capacity building.
By equipping both refugees and host community members with digital proficiency, the program opens up new economic opportunities, enabling graduates to pursue small business ventures, freelance work, or employment that requires these critical skills.
As the first group of students progresses through the course, the success of this initiative will likely attract further support and investment, ensuring that the impact of the vocational training center continues to grow.
With each new cohort, the center will expand its reach, contributing to a future where more individuals in Ajuong Thok and beyond are equipped to meet the challenges of an evolving job market.
