UNAMID Police Women Network during a sensitization activity in Al- Isaq School in El Fasher, North Darfur. Photo by Isaac Acheampong, UNAMID.

El Fasher - 9 May 2013 – On 7 May 2013, the African Union - United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) provided educational assistance to five primary schools in and around Sortoni, North Darfur.

The school materials, consisting of blackboards, chalk, rulers, erasers, pencils, school bags, exercise books, magazines, stickers and posters, represent the Mission’s latest contribution to local educational systems across Darfur to create an environment conducive to learning.

"Darfur, and specifically Sortoni, need well-trained people to build a sustainable, just and a free society -- brilliant health practitioners, lawyers and teachers, to mention but a few," said Mr Davies Lumanyemdo, Police Commander of UNAMID's Team Site in Sortoni, during a speech he delivered at the ceremony. "This can only be achieved through education."

Community and school leaders attending the event expressed thanks to UNAMID representatives for supporting education in the area, and urged the Mission to continue to provide much-needed assistance.

“I encourage all of you to support the peace process in order to achieve lasting peace in Darfur," said Mr. Lumanyemdo. "Education, as you know, is the solution to any kind of problem; it is the key to every success."
As part of its work to address the root causes of the conflict in Darfur, the Mission has been working closely with local communities on a broad variety of development projects, and has worked to help improve the conditions of schools across the region.