The Rumbek Field Office of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan has pledged to renovate a ten- room dormitory for girls at Rumbek National Secondary School. The project includes the construction of two ablutions and a kitchen.

Some beneficiaries of this project expressed optimism, saying the renovation will boost and improve girls’ education in the Western Lakes area.

“The main reason why girls who commute to school do so poorly compared to boarders is that their homes do not provide conducive environments for studying for girls,” said one grateful student, Peter Marial, adding:

“Once a girl returns home from school, she is expected to take care of her younger siblings and help out with household chores. Demands on her time don’t end until well after sundown.”

“Our children are vulnerable in terms of development and inclusion, and this dormitory is a major step to support us to lessen this gap,” said Ms. Mary Nyibol, whose daughter will live in the dorm.

“Our children will develop and flourish like other children. They will not be hampered by the social hurdles standing in their way. Thank you [UNMISS] for this thoughtful initiative.”

One of the students who expects to reside in the new dormitory, Susan Abeny, hopes that the UNMISS-funded quick impact project will give girls a chance to learn more and better.

“Every year we face problems to come to school. Now this dormitory will afford us with so many opportunities and bring us hope to overcome these problems.”

The renovation of the secondary school dormitory gives local girls so much more than a place to lay their heads: it provides a place to build their futures and let their talents bloom.

Mr. Malieny Marek is the head teacher of the school. She thanks the peacekeeping mission and believes that the project will provide opportunities for girls from rural areas in particular.

“The renovation means that more girls, especially girls who live in faraway places, can come and stay in the dormitory,” he stated. 

The renovation is one of several quick impact projects supported by the UN Mission across the country. The funds are given to selected communities to support small-scale projects that help consolidate peace through strategic livelihood and other beneficial activities or pieces of much-needed infrastructure.