By Aguok Chok
The Indian Embassy in South Sudan hosted its annual gathering of alumni from the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme on Friday, December 13, 2024. The event was a special networking session for South Sudanese nationals who had attended various training programmes in India. The celebration was graced by senior South Sudanese officials, including Hon. Dak Duop Bichiok, the Minister for Public Services and Human Resource Development, and Hon. Professor Julia Aker Duany, Head of the National Civil Service Commission.
In his opening speech, Ambassador Vishnu Kumar Sharma highlighted the importance of India’s capacity-building assistance to South Sudan, which has played a pivotal role in the country’s development. He pointed out that over 1,500 South Sudanese nationals have benefited from ITEC training courses, which are fully funded by the Indian government. “India is committed to building the capacity of South Sudan through training, skills development, and technical assistance,” Ambassador Sharma said, urging the alumni to act as ambassadors of goodwill and to help strengthen bilateral relations between India and South Sudan.
The ambassador further emphasized India’s efforts in expanding cooperation in the health sector. “We are working towards enhancing collaboration in the health sector, particularly in training and knowledge-sharing, to benefit South Sudanese professionals,” he added.
Hon. Dak Duop Bichiok, the chief guest at the event, commended India for its continuous support in South Sudan’s development. “India has been a generous partner in our capacity-building efforts. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration and expanding our cooperation in the future,” he said. Minister Bichiok assured the gathering that South Sudan would make the best use of the training opportunities provided through the ITEC programme.
Dr. Julia Aker Duany, who also addressed the gathering, thanked India for her contributions and acknowledged the positive impact of the ITEC courses on South Sudanese professionals. “We are committed to utilizing the knowledge gained from the ITEC programmes to improve our national systems. In particular, we seek India’s support in developing a strong civil service system,” she stated.
The alumni of the ITEC programme also had the chance to share their personal experiences and success stories. Many participants spoke about the valuable skills they gained from their training in India and how it helped them in their professional growth. One of the alumni, who attended a training course in public administration, remarked, “The ITEC programme has played a crucial role in shaping my career. The knowledge and skills I acquired in India have helped me contribute effectively to the development of my country.”
The event also provided an opportunity for the Embassy to promote India’s rich cultural heritage, trade opportunities, tourism, and cutting-edge technologies. Visual presentations showcased India’s advancements in various sectors, while the attendees enjoyed a delicious spread of Indian cuisine. The atmosphere was lively, with many participants dancing to the rhythms of popular Indian music, creating a festive ambiance and celebrating the shared bond between India and South Sudan.