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Bentiu – Al-Wadi Newspaper
A patrol team from the Mongolian contingent serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was warmly welcomed with cheers by students at a school inside a displacement camp near the Mission’s field office in Bentiu, Unity State — a scene that highlights the deep bond between peacekeepers and local communities.
The visit came as part of the Mongolian unit’s ongoing efforts, which go beyond maintaining security, to focus on building trust and fostering meaningful connections with civilians — a testament to the belief that true peace begins with proximity and engagement.
Education with Determination Amid Challenges
The school visited by the peacekeepers has long suffered from a lack of government funding. As a result, around 60 teachers volunteer their time and skills to ensure children continue to receive an education, despite the difficulties.
“We urgently need government support,” said Head Teacher Michael Tergiek. “We receive no salaries, and sometimes we have to collect small fees from parents just to keep the school running. But the children’s desire to learn is what keeps us going.”
A Relationship Spanning Over a Decade
The site, once a UN Protection of Civilians area, was officially transformed into a government-administered displacement camp years ago. However, the presence of peacekeepers — especially the Mongolian contingent, which has been in the area since 2012 — has remained a strong source of security and humanitarian support.
This long-standing connection is reflected in the many children, youth, and even adults who speak Mongolian fluently, having grown up around the peacekeepers.
“We’ve been here since 2012,” said Deputy Commander Altantulga Jargalan. “These children were little back then, and now they’ve grown up. Some speak Mongolian fluently and understand us completely. It’s something we’re very proud of.”
Empowering Women and Combating Violence
As part of their broader community engagement, the Mongolian unit has also increased the number of female peacekeepers within their ranks. The goal is to enhance communication with women and girls, and raise awareness about gender-based violence, including through educational sessions in schools and local gathering spaces.
Hope, a 17-year-old student who returned from Uganda to live with her mother in Bentiu, expressed her appreciation for the peacekeepers:
“Their presence makes us feel safe and gives us the motivation to continue our education. They don’t just protect us — they truly care about us.”
Hope aspires to become a public speaker one day. Her dream is to empower others — especially women and girls — to believe in themselves and their ability to overcome adversity.
Peace Begins with All of Us
The experience of the Mongolian peacekeepers in Bentiu proves that peace is not only maintained through patrols and weapons but also through compassion, connection, and trust-building with the communities they serve.
“Peace begins with me, with you, with all of us.”As Hope wisely puts it
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