Gambella, Ethiopia - January 2025 - On 29 January, Don Bosco College’in Gambella proudly celebrated the graduation of 95 students, marking a significant step towards promoting the development and empowerment of young people and the community. The graduates, selected from Dima and Gog, attended a four-month course in agriculture, mobile maintenance, tailoring and hairdressing. The project was financed by the ‘Global Solidarity Forum’ (GSF) and implemented by ‘Mercy Corps’ in cooperation with the Salesian Institute's Vocational Training Centre. This initiative aimed to equip young people with essential skills for employment and entrepreneurship. Among the distinguished guests present at the ceremony were Mr Jini Zabakunzi from the GSF, Martha Fernandez from the Mercy Corps in Addis Ababa, officials from the Labour and Skills Office in Gambella, and representatives from the localities of Dima and Gog. The head of the COC agency also attended the ceremony, emphasising the importance of the event for the development of the region. One of the highlights of the project is the distribution of starter kits to graduates, which will now enable them to establish small cooperative groups and start income-generating activities. The provision of these kits is a strategic move to promote entrepreneurship, self-reliance and cooperative business models among young graduates. ‘This graduation ceremony reflects the impact of collaboration between global and local partners in building a brighter and more resilient future for the youth of Gambella,’ said Efren Umandal, SDB, Principal of the Salesian Technical Institute.