1 August 2012 - Hundreds of men, women and school children took part today in the launch of six quick impact projects (QIPs) implemented by UNAMID’s peacekeepers in Kuma Garadayat village, located around 85 kilometres northwest of El Fasher in North Darfur. The facilities are intended to improve the health services, sanitation and education in the area.

The projects, inaugurated by UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative (Political) Aïchatou Mindaoudou Souleymane, include four classrooms for the boys’ school, four classrooms for the girls’ school, two ablutions, a women’s development centre and a medical clinic.

Boys in Kuma Garadayat are pictured in one of the new classrooms constructed by UNAMID peacekeepers. Photo by Albert González Farran

“Our gratitude goes to UNAMID’s Senegalese soldiers who have spent months to construct these buildings which we hope will significantly improve the quality of life at Kuma Garadayat,” said Ms. Souleymane. “In a larger sense, UNAMID’s projects represent our commitment to peace in Darfur and what peace could bring to your communities,” she added.

“Today is an important day in Kuma Garadayat. Our hope has become a reality,” said Mohammed Abbaker, a community representative. He explained that this first phase of the projects has addressed the bigger part of their concerns, especially in connection to education and women’s development.

The UNAMID deputy chief also announced that the Mission will support the training of ten traditional midwives from the rural area of Kuma Garadayat.