Pakistani peacekeepers gifts solar panel system to displaced persons in North Darfur

UNITED NATIONS, Mar 05 (APP)::Pakistani peacekeepers serving with the UN-African Union Mission in western Sudan’s region of Darfur handed over 4 Solar panel systems, along with electrical accessories, to three Quranic Schools and one educational center that have no electricity, according to a UN press release issued on Tuesday.
These four educational institutions are located near the Gathering Site for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sortony, North Darfur.
Lt. Col. Ishtiaq Ahmad, commanding officer Pakbatt-7 with the Pakistani Contingent based in Sortony Team Site, observed that during patrols in the area, students at these centers were using firewood light to study, a practice that exposes the students to health hazards.
The Pakistan Battalion carried out a survey, in conjunction with the teachers and locals at Sortony Gathering Site, to clearly identify the problem and take remedial measures, the press release said. As a result, the 4 beneficiary educational centers were identified and after mobilizing resources, the solar panel and accessories were acquired.
Representing the Sheikhs of the three Quranic Schools and the education center, Muhammad Abdul Latif, expressed his sincere gratitude to the Pakistani peacekeepers for this noble step taken to empower self-sustenance in daily management of lively hood resources.
The solar project is part of the Mission’s societal initiatives aimed at supporting local communities in Darfur, as electricity is not available to residents of the IDP Camp that is adjacent to Sortony Team Site, north Darfur, Sudan.
Pakistan is the largest contributor of military and police personnel to UNAMID with more than 1,200 currently deployed.