Students at the Bandar School in Malakal have acquired new computer skills thanks to a basic, week-long course provided by peacekeepers, mostly from India, serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

“Learning how to use the mouse and typing my own words has given me the confidence to pursue a future in the field of computers,” says 14-year-old Abang Angui, one of the 82 beneficiaries of the initiative.

She is urging her peers to make the most of the course, keeping the possibilities of a bright future in mind.

“I have touched and pressed the keyboard for the first time in my life, it was a great feeling  Knowledge is our key to success, and I am encouraging every one of us to take advantage of this opportunity, particularly in light of the high-tech age we are living in,” she says. 

The training aims at imparting basic computer skills, but also to highlight the importance of possessing such abilities in modern society.

Moses Gier, another student who participated, can barely wait to put his new know-how to use.

“Now I know about different types of computer software and how to use them. That gives me greater enthusiasm to continue growing and developing in this field after I finish my studies,” he said.

The Director of General Education in Upper Nile State, Monyjok Lual Yai, appreciated the support given to the field of education in the state, noting that the peacekeeping mission has offered its assistance on many occasions.

“The Malakal field office and the Indian peacekeepers supported Bander School with renovation and painting work during the beginning of this year as well, and now our students will benefit from this training. It is great,” the Director said.

Colonel Neeraj Tiwari, Commander of the Indian contingent based in Malakal, expressed his wish to conduct longer computer skills courses on a more advanced level once the COVID-19 situation allows for it.

As the students finished their course, they were also given related study material for their future reference.