On 8 and 9 December 2015, UNAMID’s Communications and Public Information Section (CPIS) opened its first two resource centres in Kutum and Al Waha localities, North Darfur. The centres were established in partnership with the Sudan Open University and will serve as outreach stations to increase awareness and local support for the Mission’s peace mediation efforts and its substantive work.

The event included a workshop where some 150 teachers, community leaders and representatives of civil society, women and youth from Kutum and Al Waha localities discussed the role of education in peace building. Additionally, more than 800 graduates from both localities signed a peace pledge as part of the event. 

The Deputy Commissioner of Kutum locality expressed appreciation for the CPIS support for the graduates and “The fruitful workshop which highlighted the role of teachers in enhancing peaceful coexistence, especially in the critical areas in the region.”     

"We pledged to work for peace in our area and reaffirmed our commitment to raise awareness on importance of having sustainable peace in Sudan as we need it now, rather than tomorrow,” said Adam Hassan, a graduate from Kutum locality, in his remarks.     
On behalf of women of AL Waha, Mrs. Zahra Isa thanked UNAMID for the initiative and hoped the Mission continues its support for the locality’s population. 
   
Dr. Simi Jedo, the representative the Sudan Open University, also expressed appreciation for the Mission’s support to various activities of the university and for establishing the two centres. “I hope these centres will help the local community to look for the main cause of the conflict and the suitable solution for all parties,” he said. 

UNAMID intends to launch similar centres in Mallit, Um Kadada and Malha in the next two months.