18 December 2012 - To enhance the communication skills of prisoners and staff, UNMISS began a series of English literacy classes today at Malakal Central Prison, Upper Nile State.

With English being South Sudan's official language, the course aims to ease working relations between staff and working partners and build up prisoners' ability to speak it.

Noting that the majority of the prison officers hailed from Arabic-learning backgrounds, UNMISS Corrections Officer and instructor Ms. Oluremi Okusende said the training would help them carry out their duties.

"It is difficult for them to communicate in English, especially with their working partners, said Ms. Okusende. "This to a large extent hinders their daily work."

Prisoner Peter Robert Akai said they felt privileged to learn English Language while serving prison sentences.

"Now that English is the official language ... I believe when we leave this place we will not feel left out," he said.

Malakal Central Prison Prison Director Maj. General David Reath Malual called on the state Ministry of Education Science and Technology to support UNMISS' efforts by providing qualified teachers to continue such training programmes.