Three young girls from Kapuri Primary School fondly recalled their first encounter with Rwandan soldiers. As they exited their school, they were greeted by the soldiers in Kinyarwanda, a language they had never heard before but quickly embraced, repeating the greetings at home.
Today, these girlsâ€"Sarah, Helen, and Charityâ€"are in the 8th grade, preparing for their national exams. With aspirations of pursuing careers in science and theology, they attribute much of their success to the improved school environment, noting the trees, flowers, and overall cleanliness.
The school in Kapuri, built in September 2014 by Rwandan soldiers who noticed students studying under a tree, has become a beacon of hope for the community.
What began as a makeshift learning space under trees has transformed into a fully functioning educational institution, officially opened in 2015. This initiative is just one example of the positive impact the Rwandan soldiers have had as part of their peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, echoing similar contributions they have made in other countries since their involvement in Darfur in 2004.
The school, once home to 200 students, now serves 540, a testament to its growing reputation. Parents recognize its quality, with one parent noting that if children aren't registered early, they risk missing out on enrollment. As he said, the school's popularity highlights the profound changes brought about by the Rwandan troops' involvement.
Rwanda is one of the largest contributors to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, with over 2,500 soldiers and 400 police officers deployed. South Sudan, a nation that has long been troubled by conflict, has benefited greatly from this assistance.
After gaining independence in 2011, peace was short-lived, and civil war between factions led by President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar caused widespread devastation, displacing millions and affecting vital resources like oil.
Lieutenant Colonel Simon Kabera, Deputy Spokesperson for the RDF, reflected on the stark difference between 2016, when he first served in South Sudan, and today. "In 2016, there was war. Now, people are returning, and life is returning to normal in the city," he said.
Since their arrival in 2014, Rwandan troops have undertaken various community projects alongside their peacekeeping duties. Lt. Col. Kabera emphasized, "Our primary duty is to protect civilians, but we also carry out community projects like building schools."
In addition to constructing educational facilities, the troops provide essential items such as stoves, water kiosks, and sports equipment to local communities.
During a recent community outreach event, Rwandan soldiers distributed school supplies and hygiene products, including sanitary pads for girls.
Suzie Nyokajong, an English teacher at Kapuri Primary and Nursery School, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the improvements.
"We faced many challenges, but thanks to the support of the Rwandan troops, things have changed. Our school is now clean, and our students are performing well," she said.
Nyokajong also noted the increase in both students and teachers, adding that the beautification efforts, with trees and flowers planted around the school, have created an environment that promotes learning and personal growth.
The ongoing peace and development initiatives led by the Rwandan troops continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of South Sudanese communities, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of peacekeeping efforts beyond the battlefield.
IGIHE
