[OPINION] – Yei’s Recovery at Risk from Social Decay

By Gismala Isaac Joseph

When I returned to Yei after several years in refuge, my heart was filled with joy and laughter. The town, once ravaged by conflict and displacement, is showing signs of recovery. Businesses are thriving, banking services like KCB are back and the streets are bustling with people going about their daily lives. The sense of optimism in the air is unmistakable.

However, beneath this revival lies a disturbing reality. The future of our young generation is under serious threat from silent killers slowly eroding their potential. Alcohol abuse, early pregnancies, immoral behaviour and a high rate of school dropouts are among the most pressing challenges that demand urgent action.

Alcohol consumption in Yei has reached alarming levels. Men, women and young people have adopted drinking as a way of life, with some treating it as a necessity. This has far reaching consequences, including family breakdowns, early pregnancies and an increase in immoral behaviour.

Worryingly, substances banned in neighbouring countries such as Uganda, including various types of kabera alcohol, are openly sold in Yei. This raises serious questions about border control and the effectiveness of law enforcement.

The high school dropout rate is equally alarming. Girls as young as twelve are carrying babies instead of books. Parents have failed to keep them in school, and it is worth asking: do we still have the authority to regulate this, or have the laws become too difficult to enforce?

The future of Yei is in jeopardy, and authorities must act. Leaders, communities and stakeholders must come together to address these issues and find lasting solutions. This requires a coordinated approach, including counselling, strict law enforcement, the banning of illicit substances, prosecution of offenders and active community engagement.

Public awareness campaigns and outreach programmes should educate communities on the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of education. Authorities must take a firm stand by cracking down on the sale of banned substances and ensuring that offenders are held accountable.

Parents and teachers must be empowered to keep girls in school and give them the support they need to succeed. This includes providing adequate resources for both learners and schools, as well as training teachers to better support students, particularly during adolescence.

Mentorship programmes, counselling services and other youth initiatives should be introduced to help young people build a brighter future for themselves.

The situation in Yei is urgent. Political leaders, community members, religious leaders, chiefs and all stakeholders must unite to protect the youth and secure their future. Together, we can create an environment where young people have opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.

The road ahead will be challenging, but with determination and collective commitment, these problems can be overcome. It is time for action. The community must rally together to support its young generation and build a brighter future for all.

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