“We thought gangs offered respect and protection. Now we know that it comes from positively contributing to our community and helping keep them safe.”
Before joining the Vision Youth Group, James (not his real name) was a gang member living in the Bentiu camp for displaced people. He was among many other youth who feel they have no other option but to join these groups after years of poverty, unemployment and disrupted education robbed them of opportunities.
In this environment, gangs can offer a sense of belonging, identity, protection and survival.
But for a growing number of young people, that is changing.
Twelve former gang members, including five girls, have left gangs and voluntarily joined the Vision Youth Group, according to Elizabeth Nyayien Gatwech Pur, a Recovery, Return and Reintegration Officer with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
Once associated with violence, intimidation and illicit drug abuse, these young people are now drawing on their experiences to encourage others to make different choices.
“I used to think being part of a gang was the only way to survive. Now I see that I can make a difference in my community,” one youth shared.
Supported through the Protection, Transition and Reintegration initiative, the youth group gives young people from diverse backgrounds a space to build confidence, develop leadership skills and mentor one another.
Through regular meetings, peer-to-peer engagement, community awareness campaigns, and leadership activities, members are rebuilding relationships with the communities that once feared them.
“We are rebuilding trust and want to inspire others to become better citizens.”
The group also serves as an early warning and referral platform, helping identify vulnerable young people and connect them with support before they become deeply involved in gangs or criminal activities.
Once seen as a source of insecurity, residents now see these young people as leaders in peace promotion and positive peer influence.
The youth group is just one of many initiatives supported by UNMISS’ Bentiu Field Office to prevent violence and foster resilience among conflict-affected communities through community engagement and Citizens’ Talk for Peace forums that promote healing, recovery, and coexistence.
For young people leaving gang life, the transformation is a deeply personal journey of building new identities as mentors and positive role models in their communities.
“Future interventions will prioritize livelihood opportunities, vocational skills development, leadership training and expanded mentoring programs to address youth vulnerability and strengthen the protection of civilians,” Gatwech Pur said.
In Bentiu, these young people are showing that with opportunity, support and a sense of purpose, choosing peace is possible.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
