18 September 2014 - As part of efforts to prevent conflicts in communities, UNMISS in collaboration with the State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology organized a volleyball competition between Aweil National and Salva Kiir Girls Secondary schools in Northern Bahr El-Ghazal State.

Aweil National Secondary School won the match 3 to 2.

Addressing the gathering, the head teacher of Aweil National, which was the host, Philip Upathio, highlighted the importance of peace.

“Without peace in our community and the country at large, no development will take place in all sectors of life,” he said. “Let us embrace peace in our families, and in our institutions. After this game, students will be ambassadors for peace in their Villages and towns.”

Meanwhile, the director of sport in the state Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Sergio Sebistiano, commended the mission for organizing the event.

“All fields of life need peace,” Mr. Sebistiano said. “Without peace, no education, without peace, no agriculture.”

UNMISS State Coordinator Koliab Nahataba explained the purpose of organizing the activity.

“The spirit of participating together we should uphold,” he said. “It is the spirit of togetherness that we should promote. It is the spirit of coexistence and this is really what creates and maintains peace. It is the only when we have peace; that we are able to fulfill our ambitions.”

An UNMISS trophy was presented to the winner. Exercise books, chalk, pens and balls were donated the participating school.