19 April 2012 - UNAMID inaugurated yesterday ten classrooms in three schools at Abu Shouk internally displaced persons camp, near El Fasher, North Darfur, built by Rwandese peacekeepers as part of the Mission’s Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in the region.

Children from Abu Shouk camp pose inside one of the new classrooms sponsored by UNAMID. Photo by Albert González Farran

“Our presence is not only to protect civilians, but also to help the population recover from the consequences of war and to ensure their growth and development,” said UNAMID Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba at the inauguration ceremony.

General Nyamvumba said the projects, which were completed within five months and will accommodate 700 students, could not have been possible without the cooperation of the community. “We will continue to do what we can within our limited resources with the hope that in the near future, you will be self-sustaining,’’ he mentioned.

He added that early recovery and development projects were one of the Mission’s priorities, noting that, “we will continue to cooperate with the people in order to achieve our collective desired objectives of bring basic amenities to the communities.”

Talking about the importance of education, he stressed that “by investing in today’s young ones, we are investing for their future, as well as for sustainable growth, development and peace.’’

“We are happy that UNAMID is partnering with the people of Darfur to ensure sustainable development. Education is life, education is peace,” said Mohammed Hamid Adam, representative of the Ministry of Education.

Young girls from Abu Shouk camp dance and sing to celebrate the project sponsored by UNAMID. Photo by Albert González Farran

The Mission also plans to construct a fence at Abu Shouk Girls School as well as six more classrooms.

The projects are part of the 45 QIPs approved by the Mission and implemented by the military component. This week the Force Commander also inaugurated a computer training centre and a school theatre in El Fasher and classrooms in Kabkabiya and Saraf Umra.