“This is a chance to study at a high-quality vocational training centre in a newly-independent nation and to gain new skills that will allow us to bring change to the country,” said Jacob Mayon as he described what it meant to him to be admitted to the Hanbit Vocational Training Centre in Bor.

Equipped with shovels and broomsticks, some 800 national and international peacekeepers deployed along one of Juba’s main city streets on the weekend. Their efforts resulted in a whopping 1,700 garbage bags being filled, destined for the capital’s main dumpsite.

With less than three months left until the new deadline for forming a unified transitional government for the world’s youngest nation, South Sudan is amassing all the support it can get to make sure the process goes smoothly.