8 August 2015 - To educate upper class primary students in preventing crime, UN Police today carried out a three-hour awareness session in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State.

Addressing 93 male and female pupils at Torit East Primary School, UNMISS Community Policing Officer Teddy Kargbo gave examples of crimes commonly committed by school boys and girls.

These included petty theft like pick-pocketing, impregnating and raping school girls, stealing at school and from the home, drug abuse and lack of respect for parents, teachers and elderly people.

He stressed how enjoyable life would be in future if the pupils prevented crimes and dedicated themselves to education.

“I can see that, in the next fifteen years, you will be governors, ministers, law enforcement agents and lawmakers of this country if you avoid … (having) criminal records, and embark on your education,” Mr. Kargbo said.

UN Police Gender Officer Fatmata Gbla warned girls to avoid accepting material gifts from men and encouraged them to compete with boys in academics.

“You have all the rights to have what you desire but be patient, because what a boy can do, you girls can do even better,” she said.

Another officer, Banuve Jones, cautioned students about deciding on their futures. “There are only two things about decision,” he said. “Decision can delight you and it can also destroy you, depending on how you make it.”

Primary Eight students Paride Apongok and Mary Nyajima concluded the session by thanking UN Police.

“We are happy to be enlightened by UNMISS on how to avoid carrying criminal records,” Paride said.

“With this session, girls have (learned) how to get the fruits of education and know how to behave morally,” Mary added.