11 March 2015 - UNMISS and partners recently started supporting displaced children living at the mission’s protection site in the Upper Nile state capital Malakal to sit examinations at centres outside the base.

The week-long primary leaving examinations, which kicked off on 9 March in 21 centres in stable counties, are the first to be conducted in the state since conflict erupted in December 2013.

To help displaced children have a chance to sit their examinations, UNICEF and non-governmental organization INTERSOS are providing transportation for pupils from and back to the protection site, while UNMISS peacekeepers provide protection at the examination centre.

Acting State Governor Gwinye Philip Chan said the state government had made every possible effort to ensure that children could sit examinations this year.

He urged pupils to put a lot of effort in order to achieve their ambition.

“We also call upon the families to support them in creating a conducive environment for their children to take their exam in good atmosphere,” he said.