By Gladys Fred Kole/APO
A newly renovated primary school in Wadadelo, in Jur River County, has given hope to communities as well as returnees.
United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) refurbishes primary school in Wadadelo, giving education a boost in Western Equatoria region.
The eight classrooms, two office blocks and two toilets were funded by UNMISS through its Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) programme.
Some 20 schools had been destroyed in the area due to past conflicts and civil war.
Constructed by local implementing partner Peace Friends’ Community Organization, the small-budget intervention, cost USD 50,000, and is expected to have a large impact in improving the lives of residents.
“We want children in the community to have full access to education and I encourage students to complete their primary education,” said Honey Basnyat, a Protection, Transition and Reintegration Officer with UNMISS.
While handing over the building, Basnyat urged all parents to send their children to school regularly.
We want children in the community to have full access to education and I encourage students to complete their primary education.
This is an important step to usher in basic services in the payam [administrative division], says Awad Nyang, Deputy Director for Basic and Secondary Education in Western Bahr El Ghazal, adding more needs to be done.
“There are more than 500 primary schools across the state and in our capacity as the Ministry of Education, we regularly distribute exercise books, desks and benches so that pupils can learn.”
“However, we need the support of the national government and international friends such as UNMISS to continue boosting education because we have suffered a lot in past civil wars,” he stated eloquently.
For his part Mr. James Aguer, community leader of Wadadelo, said with South Sudan still striving to complete its democratic transition, support to communities is key.
“We need good primary healthcare centers—especially maternal health services—for women, men and children in our area. We hope we will receive help from the UN Peacekeeping mission and other peace partners in this regard,” said Mr. Aguer.
Another pressing need according to Wadadelo communities: A police station that will uphold the rule of law.
Chief Aguer expressed appreciation for the support of UNMISS and called on the government and partners to consider the renovation of the primary health care center as well as the police station to manage security in the area.
Despite shortfalls, the UNMISS-renovated school will give 400 pupils and their teachers a much-needed space where knowledge and learning can be prioritized.