3 October 2013 - South Sudan’s struggle for independence would be in vain if students and youth failed to say no to violence, UNMISS Lakes State Acting Coordinator said today in the capital Rumbek.

Presenting stationary and sporting equipment to the Rumbek National Secondary School, Ranjana Chauhan called on students and the country’s youth to denounce violence and push for peace and unity.

“Your elders made a lot of sacrifices for this country to gain independence,” Ms. Chauhan said. “It is (for) you to maintain peace and security. You must carry on their good works and contribute meaningfully to the development of South Sudan, as you are the future leaders.”

The presentation, which included notebooks, teachers’ lesson plan books, chalk, paper, and pens as well as basketballs, volleyballs and footballs, was provided by the UNMISS Nepalese battalion as part of its Civil Military Cooperation activities.

Ms. Chauhan also handed over to the administration a renovated school dormitory. The facility, which had been closed to boarding for over 30 years, was renovated by the Nepalese battalion as an UNMISS Quick Impact Project.

“We heard you (also) need toilets and other assistance,” the Acting State Coordinator said. “These are part of the project’s second phase, which will commence soon.”

Head Teacher Shadrack Chol Stephen, on behalf of the students and administration, hailed the renovation and donated materials. “You have made us to believe that we are not alone. This gesture will open the doors to more boarding students.”

The renovation, which began on 6 September, gave the dormitory a new roof, paint and doors.

South Sudan’s oldest secondary school, Rumbek National was constructed in 1947 and began classes in 1948. The school has over 1,635 students, including 176 girls.