The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Tuesday handed over scholastic materials for pupils of Sindru Primary School in Lobonok, Juba.

The items, including 150 school bags, UNMISS branded T-shirts, 750 exercise books and an assortment of pens, pencils, water bottles and balls, were handed over to area authorities at the Jubek secretariat.

Pupils of Sinduru primary have been out of school since clashes between cattle keepers and farming communities broke out in August. 

The materials were requested by parents and community members after the fighting on 12-13 August destroyed homesteads and forced children out of their learning environments.

The items handed over to Jubek area authorities are inscribed with messages to promote peace and a culture of peace. 

“The bags and pens have peace messages to make the children more aware, and instill the need for peace in their minds,” said John Ugolo, the UNMISS Head of Field Office in Juba. 

Ugolo explained that the donation will meet an immediate need and also create awareness among communities who read the inscribed messages. 

One of the messages reads ‘In conflict, preserve schools,” while another reads ‘UNMISS is Your Partner for Peace.’

Ugolo says UNMISS will partner with other agencies and institutions to expand such interventions to other crisis affected schools. 

“Education is the bed rock of every society,” he said, adding that “once these children are educated, they will be able to contribute positively to the development of their country.”

Jubek Minister for Education, Wani Sule, received the materials and thanked UNMISS for the support and promised that the donated items will come to good use.

“We assure you that these materials will reach the intended beneficiaries”, Mr. Sule said.