UNFPA distributes solar lamps to displaced women, school girls in Juba

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) distributed 70 solar lamps during Christmas celebrations to internally displaced persons in the protection of civilians’ site in Juba.
Beneficiaries displayed solar lamp in group photo at Juba IDP’s camp during Christmas Eve

By Simon Deng

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) distributed 70 solar lamps during Christmas celebrations to internally displaced persons in the protection of civilians’ site in Juba.

The Emergency Coordinator for UNFPA, Hussein Hassan, said the beneficiaries include vulnerable women and school children living in PoC 3.

Hassan said these solar lamps will address critical needs of safety, education and economic empowerment.

“By bringing light into the hands of women and girls, we are not just reducing darkness; we are dismantling barriers to equality and opportunity. Every Lantern is a step closer to a world where no woman has to fear the dark,” said Hassan.

Nyanjuok Kor, 31, and mother of two who has lived for 11 years in the PoC, said the solar lamp will help her see at night and as well help her two kids read at night.

“I am very happy, the solar lamp donated by UNFPA is going to help us to see at night, we are now relieved from staying in a dark place, we previously had no access to a torch,” said Kor.

“Before my children used to read during day time but not in the night, but for now, I am going to tell them to read at night as well because of this solar lamp,” she added.

 Nyikoang Guong Deng, a school girl in primary 7, said the solar lamp has reenergized her commitment to study hard, adding that reading at night was impossible for most of the school-going children in the camp.

 “The lamp will help while we are for holiday at home, we will be reading day and night and I appreciate the donors for the support,” said Deng.

Turuk Nyang Kur, a 20 –year- old, who completed his primary studies from Hope primary school, said he endured difficulty while preparing for his certificate of primary education exams because he could not read at night.

“This solar lamp is going to help my sister who still studying in primary school, we are very happy for those who gave this lamp,” said Kur. 

UNFPA said a total of 510 solar lanterns will also be distributed to vulnerable people in Bentiu, Bor, Renk, Malakal and Pibor.

The solar lanterns were provided to UNFPA by Japanese electronics company Panasonic.

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