Yei River County Youth Embrace Cultural Integration Day

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Youth in Yei, Central Equatoria on Tuesday held a one-day cultural integration event bringing together participants from the five payams of Mugwo, Lasu, Otogo, Yei, and Tore. The event aimed to denounce violence, unite young people, promote peaceful coexistence, and celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions within Yei River County.

Speaking during the celebration, the County Commissioner and Guest of Honor, Emmanuel Taban Seme, called for peaceful coexistence among communities. He emphasized that peace begins at the family level and gradually extends to the wider county.

“Peace starts at home. When you begin in your home and your neighbor does the same, then our communities will live in harmony. Let us take this as a challenge and an example to bring positive change to our homes,” he said.

The Commissioner expressed appreciation to the Organization of Non-Violence and Development for promoting forgiveness as a foundation for peace.

“For us to live in peace, we must forgive one another. Do your part—if someone refuses to forgive, leave it to God and the law. Each one of us has a day of judgment,” he added.

He further encouraged parents to invest in the proper upbringing and education of their children.

“Training starts at home, and education continues at school. When we raise our children well, they will have a brighter future, and our community will remain peaceful,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the Director for Physical Infrastructure, Roads and Bridges in Yei River County, Richard Lugala Godo, warned that cultural values are gradually being lost due to globalization. He urged the youth to embrace and preserve their traditions.

“I urge our young people to appreciate what we have done today and ensure it continues. Our elders taught us about marriage customs, naming ceremonies, and how to handle conflicts. If we abandon our traditions, in 100 or 200 years we may lose our identity,” he said.

The event featured vibrant cultural performances, traditional dances, and interactive dialogue sessions aimed at fostering understanding, tolerance, and unity among the youth.

More than 300 people from the five payams of Yei River County gathered for the celebration, demonstrating a strong commitment to peacebuilding and cultural preservation in the region.