6 May 2015- UNMISS today launched a $ 25,000 project to construct an additional two-classroom building for Anzara Primary School in Nimule, Eastern Equatoria State.

This follows the completion and handing over of another two-classroom block which the Mission had earlier built using funds from its Quick Impact Projects (QIPs).

Speaking at the launch in Nimule, UNMISS State Coordinator in Eastern Equatoria Hiroko Hirahara said she was happy that the Mission could “play a part in the community’s endeavor to educate their children”.

She encouraged the community and local authorities to work together to make the school better.

Before the UNMISS project, Anzara Primary School held classes under thatch sheds and trees.

The head teacher, Guo Tereza Fabio, commended UNMISS for supporting the creation of a conducive teaching and learning environment for her school.

“With these buildings, we no longer have to worry about sending children home when it rains,” said Ms. Fabio. “We can now accommodate the pupils in proper classrooms where they can feel comfortable to sit and learn.”

Viciri Peter Johnson, a 16 year-old pupil at the school said he was happy that he could now move from the open-air class to one in a proper building.

Yesterday, UNMISS also handed over another two-classroom building to Ofrikha, a primary school with more than 200 pupils in a remote community in Magwi County.

Community leader Mandela Palaura said the new facilities had encouraged more parents to send their children to school.

“Now we have what looks like a real school,” he said.

Over the last one year, UNMISS has used its QIPs funds to support communities by building classrooms, youth resource centres and police detention facilities in several counties in Eastern Equatoria State.