On 24 April 2014, UNAMID’s Sector South Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) Section, in collaboration with a local NGO Jebel Mara Charity Organization for Rural Development (JMCO), officially launched the construction of a secondary school project in Graida, South Darfur.

The initiative is part of two joint pilot projects combining Community-based Labour-intensive Projects (CLIPs) and Community Security and Arms Control (CSAC) interventions by UNAMID DDR and United Nations Development Project (UNDP) DDR. The project aims at reducing violence, improving security for community members and mitigating the influence of armed movements and criminal groups on youth.

The project targets 60 young Darfuris (40 men and 20 women) who will receive training in manufacturing environmentally-friendly SSB bricks, masonry and electronics. CSAC committees will also be formed and trained on issues such as controlling small arms, resolving internal conflicts and improving community security. Additionally, the project will incorporate sensitization and awareness-raising campaigns on conflict resolution, peace building and the inherent dangers of small arms for people in living in Graida.

Speaking at the event, the UNAMID DDR representative, Mr. Adam Ali, called for close collaboration between Graida authorities and UNAMID DDR, saying that such a partnership would translate into sustainable peace, security and development for the people of Darfur. He also said that these projects provide a unique platform for Darfuri youth to acquire income-generating skills.

Addressing the gathering at the event, the Commissioner of Graida, Mr. Yahia Adam Abdulbanat, said that the project will have a positive impact on the entire community. He thanked UNAMID for supporting skill-building projects for the young and requested UNAMID DDR to initiate the construction of a multipurpose community centre in Graida. This, he said, would be instrumental in aiding the young members of the community to acquire income-generating skills.