Ending Gang Violence Through Youth Empowerment: GREDO’s YAP Initiative in South Sudan

Group warm-up activities in Gudele,Juba open fields – building energy and unity.

🔷 Introduction: A Nation’s Youth in Crisis

In the heart of South Sudan, youth are grappling with poverty, displacement, and a rising tide of gang violence. These challenges threaten not only their futures but also the very fabric of peaceful community life.

At GREDO, we believe transformation is possible — through empowerment, mentorship, and support. With backing from UNICEF, our Youth and Adolescent Program (YAP) is a beacon of hope for the most vulnerable, especially street children and at-risk youth.

🔷 The Gang Violence Challenge in South Sudan

Gang culture often offers a false sense of identity, income, and belonging to marginalized youth. But behind that mask lies a cycle of trauma, addiction, violence, and incarceration. Without intervention, these youths risk becoming victims or perpetrators of systemic harm.

🔷 GREDO’s YAP Model: A Holistic Response

Street kids gathered in one GREDO Shirikat Youth Centere with senior inspirators and social workers, Philomena Wambui one of GREDOs Project Manager takes part in take five warm up as a courtesy of MHPSS beneficiaries.
Play with Purpose – Young girls and boys engaged in board games and storytelling, learning social skills and emotional expression.

YAP is not just a program — it’s a lifeline. We engage young people where they are — on the streets, in informal settlements, in camps — and offer structured, trauma-informed support.

Our approach includes:

  • Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)
    Facilitated group therapy, stress management, emotional healing, and trauma recovery.

  • Life Skills Training
    Conflict resolution, leadership, personal hygiene, and communication techniques.

  • Sports, Music & Recreational Therapy
    Healing through movement, rhythm, teamwork, and laughter — restoring joy and unity.

  • Strength in Unity – Older adolescents undergoing group training and physical activity, building trust and resilience.

🔷 Vocational Training: Building Livelihoods

Once stabilized, the youth are enrolled in hands-on vocational training — tailoring, carpentry, mechanics, or tech skills. This empowers them to earn a dignified income, reducing reliance on crime or gang activities.

🔷 Reuniting Youth With Families

Many adolescents are reunified with their families or guardians after careful assessments and follow-up. GREDO’s social workers provide ongoing home visits, school reintegration support, and mentorship.

🔷 Powered by Partnership: UNICEF’s Vital Role

None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of UNICEF. Together, we are rewriting the stories of hundreds of young South Sudanese who deserve better.

📣 Call to Action:

Join us in restoring hope.
If you are a partner, donor, volunteer, or simply someone who believes in second chances — reach out. Let’s break the cycle of violence together, one youth at a time.

📧 Contact: info@gredoea.org
🌐 Website: www.gredosouthsudan.org

Related Posts