11 June 2015 - UNMISS today handed over bakery equipment to 38 displaced women at the Protection of Civilians (PoC) site in Malakal, Upper Nile State.

The bakery equipment was funded by an UNMISS Quick Impact Project (QIP).

The QIP project was borne out of discussions among displaced women to stop brewing alcohol, which fuels violence in the PoC.

Before the equipment handover, the women attended a two-day training on bakery skills conducted by the local non-government organization Sobat Community for Peace and Development (SCPD).

“We have learned how to bake bread and maandazi (local donut),” said recipient Nyakech Othong Apiek. “I will use the skills I have acquired here to improve my economic status.”

“This training is very important because now we have an alternative,” said Grace Awatte. “Instead of brewing alcohol we can now make bread. It is a great relief for us.”

The trainees said the project also offered an opportunity for different ethnic groups to come together, which promoted co-existence in the PoC.

UNMISS Upper Nile State Coordinator Deborah Schein lauded the initiative, cautioning women to work towards peace and live amicably in the PoC.