Latest news with #UnityState
Zawya
2 days ago
- General
- Zawya
South Sudan: Peace begins with connecting with the communities we serve
Peacekeeping is more than just a job for the Mongolian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. It's a mission to connect with the communities that they came to serve. So, it's no surprise to see the joyful cheering when the peacekeeping patrol is welcomed to a school in the camp for displaced families next to the mission's field office in Bentiu, Unity State. The school has long lacked government funding, which means its 60 teachers provide classes on a volunteer basis, doing their utmost to ensure the children get the best education possible and the chance to reach their full potential in life despite the many challenges they face. 'We need government support. Most of us are unpaid, and at times, we have to collect fees from the children's families just to keep the school running,' shares Head Teacher, Michael Tergiek. 'The children motivate us so much though with their urgent desire to learn.' What used to be a United Nations Protection of Civilians site requiring a constant peacekeeping presence transitioned into a conventional displacement camp under the responsibility of the government several years ago. But this change has not diminished the deep respect and connections between the local communities and UNMISS peacekeepers, particularly the Mongolian contingent, which has been stationed in the area for more than a decade. A perfect illustration of this deep connection is the fact that many of the South Sudanese children and even adults living in the camp can speak the Mongolian language. 'There are a lot of kids, teenagers and adults that speak Mongolian as we've been here since 2012. At that time, these kids were still small and now they have grown up to be teenagers or young adults. Some of them are absolutely fluent and completely understand what we're talking about,' shares the Deputy Commander of the Mongolian contingent, Altantulga Jargalan. As well as conducting robust patrols by day and night, the Mongolian contingent increased the number of women peacekeepers within their ranks to help foster mutual respect with women and girls and combat the root causes of gender-based violence through the provision of training in schools and local community gathering spots. 'By being present and showing they care, the Mongolians help us feel safe enough to dedicate ourselves to our education,' shares 17-year-old Hope, who had returned to Bentiu from Uganda to live with her mother a few years ago. Once she becomes a public speaker, which is her biggest dream, Hope wants to use her voice to empower others to become as strong and resilient as she is. Because she agrees that peace begins with me, with you, with all of us. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief)-funded nutrition support reaches more than 6,000 vulnerable women and children in South Sudan
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has reached more than 6,000 vulnerable mothers and children in flood-affected Bentiu, Unity State, with lifesaving nutrition assistance, thanks to generous funding from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief). The US$400,000 contribution enabled WFP to procure and distribute specialized nutritious foods, including Super Cereal Plus - fortified blended food - and Lipid-based Nutrient Supplements – Plumpy Doz. These products are designed to prevent acute malnutrition in children aged six months and above, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women. Malnutrition levels in Bentiu remain alarmingly high following years of severe flooding that have submerged vast areas of land, displaced entire communities, and heightened exposure to waterborne diseases—factors that significantly increase the risk of malnutrition, particularly among children. 'As hunger and malnutrition continue to outpace available resources, support for nutrition programmes is more vital than ever,' said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, WFP Country Director in South Sudan. 'Getting the right nutrition to young children and mothers at the right time not only saves lives—it gives children a chance to grow, learn, and reach their full potential. Our partnership with KSrelief is helping make that possible.' This intervention comes at a time when nearly 7.7 million people across South Sudan face crisis or worse levels of food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above)—a near record high – including an estimated 2.1 million children who are at-risk of malnutrition this year. WFP and KSrelief have been global partners for a decade, since KSrelief was established in 2015 in Riyadh. The two organisations have collaborated in South Sudan since 2018, with this latest contribution reinforcing their shared commitment to improving health and nutrition outcomes for the most vulnerable. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).
