21 August 2013 - In promoting peace and stability in Jonglei State, UNMISS South Korean engineers have been teaching martial arts and football to youth in the capital Bor.

The training, which began in April, is targeting 96 students of Royal Junior Academy School, of which 46 have been studying Korea's traditional taekwondo, and another 50 football.

Both students and teachers alike are pleased with the training.

"I used to watch taekwondo sport on TV, but now I am happy to have it here in Bor," said 14-year-old Paul Malong Maria.

Royal Junior Principal Kur Madul said the training would assist the students to be healthy, peaceful and well-disciplined in the future.

"Such kinds of sport activities (will) ... bring significant changes in their future lives and careers," he said.

South Korean Corporal Eungwan Lee said the sports would help youth stay healthy and active. "We believe that teaching ... traditional taekwondo will enhance their health and promote social cohesion -- thus, fulfill our ultimate goal."

The training would continue until students had sufficient knowledge and skills in both taekwondo and football, Corporal Lee said.

Since they arrived in Jonglei in April, the South Koreans have undertaken such projects as expanding Bor airstrip, constructing a waste disposal site in Apiir locality and maintaining of Bor's main road.

The SouthKoreans also assisted Bor State Hospital with $11,000 worth of medical supplies, including ultrasonography, mosquito nets and blankets, and fixed its generator.