Juba, 25 October 2021 (TDI): UN personnel in Bentiu, South Sudan, came together to plant trees in eight schools for displaced children. This was in part to commemorate UN day, on 24 October. These trees are a symbol of the universal values that the UN stands for. Lieutenant Colonel Michael Mfum, Commander of Ghanaian troops serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, was present. Mfum remarked that the he named the first tree he planted Human rights.
This is because they are the base for a democratic nation. The Ceremony continued with UN workers from civilian, military, police, and humanitarian backgrounds. They visited the eight schools with shovels, gallons of water, and a genuine zeal to commemorate UN day. South Sudan has a cultural norm that involves sitting under trees during sunlit days. According to the note, the school children and members of the community welcomed the tree planting activity.
Acting Director-General of Education and Instruction for Unity State and supervisor for schools
The Acting Director-General of Education and Instruction for Unity State, Kueth Mayay; pronounced about it. He stated that trees that the UN personnel planted, will provide shade, and food for the students. Mayay then added that teachers, and students, now have an obligation.
That obligation is that they need to ensure that the UN core values, represented by the trees; are then upheld to the highest degree. Those values represent by avocado, mango, and guava trees. The values those trees represent are peace, justice, tolerance, education, solidarity, friendship, unity, and also respect for human rights.
Simon Thir Tekjiek, the supervisor for schools for displaced children, was also present. He then stated that using trees to instill values on the children is important. Because they are the future leaders. He then added that when those trees start bearing fruits, the students will recall the memories of UNMISS.
Tekjiek also stated that those trees will serve as a constant reminder of what the UN stands for. Education Officer with UNICEF, David Ngon Kueth, was also present. Kueth mentioned that as South Sudan’s partner in education; they will check that those trees are nurtured. He then added that by taking care of those trees, UNICEF hopes to give the children important skills. Those skills are a sense of leadership, and universal values, as they go forward in their lives.
