News detail

Juba, 14 October 2024

Today, Rwanda Defence Force peacekeepers participated in renovating and painting classrooms in Kapuri Primary School. They also donated educational materials, planted fruit trees and cleared bushes and shrubs during the periodic community service that involved parents, students and local community.

Situated in the outskirts of Juba, the capital city, the eight-classroom school with two staff offices now accommodates 541 pupils and was officially handed over to the Government of South Sudan on 9 February 2015.

The official present on behalf of Rwandan Peace keepers, Brig Gen William Ryarasa said that Rwandan Peacekeepers remain committed to professionally perform the mandated tasks, contribute to the creation of a safe and secure environment and maintain a good relationship with host nation and UN agencies/personnel towards bringing a positive impact to South Sudan Community.

In his remarks, the Contingent Commander of the Rwandan Battalion (Rwanbatt-1) serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, Lt Col Emmanuel Ntwali, emphasized that peace keepers will continue supporting the school to ensure that it remains fully operational.

He encouraged the pupils to maintain cleanliness and develop the spirit of hard work.

Wisly Small Ladu, the Payam area Education Supervisor, highlighted the importance of learning from the peacekeepers and expressed gratitude on behalf of the local authorities. He added that sustaining such infrastructure is vital for the future of the young South Sudanese students.

In May 2014, during a routine patrol, Rwandan soldiers noticed that pupils at Kapuri Primary School were studying under trees as well as improvised classrooms. Upon returning to their base, they proposed building a new school to support the community.

The Construction of the new school began in September 2014, led by the Rwandan battalion in collaboration with UNICEF, members of the Rwandan community in South Sudan, and the local Kapuri communities.