31 March 2015 - Wau municipality in Western Bahr El-Ghazal State today has received a school building, handed over by UNMISS as one of the mission’s Quick Impact Projects (QIPs). The QIP was implemented by the mission’s Kenyan Battalion.

The building, worth $46,000, is an expansion of Pian Tok Co-Education Primary School and comprises classrooms and administration offices.

UNMISS State Coordinator Mustapha Tejan-Kella handed over the school to state Ministry of Education officials and stated that UNMISS would continue to support the state administration's development endeavors.

“Education shapes citizens and a nation as whole,” Mr. Mustapha said. He urged state authorities and the school community to properly handle the school building and regularly maintain it.

Mr. Mustapha cited challenges the head master and teachers faced. “Teachers have no proper offices to deal with their students,” he said, adding that the new school building would contribute much to solving their problems.

Gabriel Goly, Wau County Director of Education, said the new school building would ensure access and quality of education. “You are the eyes and future of South Sudan,” he told the students.

He called on UNMISS to continue its support to the state with similar projects, with a tangible impact on the well-being of the community.

The Kenyan Battalion also donated four tables to be used in the teachers’ offices.