The Fourth Division of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) on Friday donated 240 exercise books to Primary 8 candidates in Rubkona Primary School in Unity State.
The donation comes at a time when candidates are preparing to sit the South Sudan Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) examination from 13 to 17 February 2023.
The donation was delivered by Maj. Gen William Manyang Mayak, the SSPDF’s Division Four commander, who said the army will continue to support education.
“The SSPDF will continue to support education to transform this country into a better South Sudan through an intensified education program for all children and adults,” Gen Mayak said. “
He revealed that the army collaborated with National Defense Minister Angelina Teny to make the supply of the books possible.
“Our main purpose of donating these school exercise books is to promote and encourage peace and let the citizens know that we are for peace,” said Mayak.
Meanwhile, the Unity State education minister, Totjok Chieng Pech, told Radio Tamazauj Friday that he welcomed the donation from the SSPDF, saying it is the first time it has happened in the state.
“This donation is clear evidence that our army is ready for peace and that they need our children to be better in the future,” Pech said. “Let us not look at our soldiers as enemies, they want you to learn and to become better children in the future.”
On his part, Raan Gai Biel, a pupil at Rukbona Primary School, acknowledged that they received the books and will use them to prepare for their final examinations.
“We will use the books during the examinations,” he said. “I thank the SSPDF and urge them to continue supporting pupils and schools.”