JICA hands over sports equipment to primary schools in Juba

By Jenifer James

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Tuesday handed over sports equipment and hand washing facilities to pupils selected from 26 primary public schools in Juba.

The donated assortments include 260 balls, 52 sets of hand-washing facilities, and 2,600 sanitary pads, all generously donated by the citizens of Maebashi City, Japan.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Director General for Basic and Secondary Education in the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, David Lowela Lodu Modi, urged teachers and school directors to take full responsibility of the materials.

Lowela emphasised the importance of utilising the materials to foster active learning and extracurricular activities.

He encouraged the pupils to make the most use of these resources to enhance their education and well-being.

For his part, Takayama Naoto, a representative of JICA, said that JICA has been closely collaborating with the Ministry of General Education and Instruction since 2019 on the youth empowerment through sports for peace promotion project.

Takayama also acknowledged the partnership between JICA and Maebashi City, which has resulted into the provision of sports equipment and opportunities for South Sudanese athletes.

 This year, Maebashi City donated resources to promote grassroots sports and physical education.

Takayama emphasised the importance of ensuring that the sports equipment and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) items provided are put to good use for tangible benefits.

He also called on the pupils to prioritise social cohesion through education, sports and physical education, and to use the event as an opportunity to build lasting friendships beyond the playground.

Six schools will soon begin a sports tournament to promote inter-school competition.