YALI RLC EA-Nairobi Team Visits EASTECH College Main Office in Juba
On 24th June 2025, a delegation from the YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa-Nairobi visited the EASTECH College main office, located along University Road in Buluk, Hai Thoura, Juba. The visiting team included Sebastian Ouma (Grants Manager), Morris Mwigeri (Finance Analyst), and Marvin Aidah (Grants Analyst).
They were warmly welcomed by the EASTECH team, led by Chuol Tap (Director), Dr. Majok Deng (Curriculum, Learning & Training Manager), Gladys Jack (Communications & Community Manager), Lobondi Emmanuel (Finance Manager), and Nyayow Deng (Operations & Admin Manager).
This visit was initiated following EASTECH’s invitation for the YALI team to assess the progress of ongoing activities and provide technical guidance on key areas of institutional and project management.
The conversation began with a meaningful question from the YALI team: “Why do you do what you do at EASTECH and how?” In response, Mr. Chuol Tap shared that EASTECH was founded to bridge the practical skills gap facing youth and women in South Sudan. He emphasized that the college is committed to delivering market-relevant, hands-on training through diploma and certificate programs in technology, engineering, business innovation, agriculture, and health sciences.
Gladys Jack highlighted that most graduates from traditional universities lack the practical confidence needed to secure or create jobs. “At EASTECH,” she explained, “we’re working to close this gap by equipping students with job-ready, real-world skills for the to create or find meaningful jobs and lift their communities.”
Dr. Majok Deng added that outdated and theory-heavy teaching methods are among the main reasons why university graduates struggle in the job market. He introduced the Cogno Teaching & Learning Initiative, a practical learning model developed at EASTECH that blends problem-based learning, hands-on training, and digital tools to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving in learners.
Nyayow Deng reinforced the importance of such initiatives, stating that “Cogno plays a vital role in tackling skills poverty and breaking gender barriers in technical education.”
During the visit, the YALI team also reviewed several of EASTECH’s key institutional policies, including the Finance and Accounts Policy, Human Resource Policy, Procurement Policy, and Monitoring & Evaluation Framework. They provided valuable feedback and emphasized the importance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which EASTECH has already embedded in its operations to ensure consistency and professionalism.