On 11 April 2016, UNAMID`s Human Rights Section, Sector North, handed over 348 benches and desks to four basic schools for boys and girls in Abu Zereiga village, approximately 50 kilometers south of El-Fasher, North Darfur. The event, part of the Mission’s support to education in Darfur through its Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) programme, was attended by native administration members, teachers, representatives of women and youth groups and UNAMID Staff.

Speaking at the event, Igor Reif, Human Rights Officer, highlighted the importance of education to the future of Darfuri children and hoped that the offered seating units would help the students have a better learning condition.

In his remarks, the local community’s Omda, Ahmed Khatr, expressed appreciation to UNAMID’s continued support and explained that with the schools’ conditions enhanced by the new seating units some students who had dropped school would be encouraged to return back. Mr. Khatr also requested support to the basic services in the village, such as health and water facilities.

The headmaster of Abu Zereiga (A) Basic school for boys, Yahya Shumo Alnour, stated that the project would help the school and serves as an exams Centre for more than 360 students sitting for the basic school certificate.     

UNAMID conducted a similar project, on 23 February 2016, in South Darfur, where its Civil Affairs Section handed over seating units to two basic schools, benefiting more than 437 students.