Mechanical Skills Training in Juba, Southern Sudan

Published
May 1, 2007

After 20 years of civil war, the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in January 2005 between the Sudanese government and southern rebel groups provided an opportunity for displaced persons and refugees to return home or resettle in south Sudan.

As part of this repatriation programme a vehicle maintenance workshop was set up in Juba, capital of southern Sudan. This programme also established a training programme for mechanics.

The course was scheduled to last two years and the staff would visit the trainees’ homes to be sure their families are well cared for.

Each trainee was provided with their own tool kit which they could keep for themselves upon completion of the training.

Results

Trainees were organized into two groups based on skill level. 2 trainees were promoted to assistant mechanics due to a high level of achievement. From January 2008 trainees were taking drivers license tests to allow them to better understand vehicles. Students received lectures on gas and diesel engines and most trainees can now handle tyre and shock absorber changes.