Indians and JIU plant trees at Malakal university
The Indian army contingent and the Malakal-based Joint Integrated Unit (JIU) joined forces on May 19 to plant 45 trees inside the Upper Nile University compound.
The Indian army contingent and the Malakal-based Joint Integrated Unit (JIU) joined forces on May 19 to plant 45 trees inside the Upper Nile University compound.
Led by Sector III Commander Col. Sandeep Jain, Indian troops and Sudanese members of the local JIU got out their spades to plant a variety of neem, peepal and mango saplings that are known for their environmental, nutritious and medicinal values.
"The trees and greenery will make the campus environment more comfortable," said John Deng, an Upper Nile University student at the Faculty of Public Health.
The university's acting Vice Chancellor Deng Akol Juach thanked UNMIS on behalf of both its faculty and students. "These trees shall remind us of our memorable association with UNMIS for a long time to come," he said.
Since its arrival in Sudan four years ago the Indian contingent has assisted Upper Nile University in a number of ways, ranging from the donation of books and the organization of academic exhibitions to the provision of veterinary education.
A greener environment on campus will hopefully offset some of the material damage inflicted on the university during violent clashes in Malakal in late February that killed at least 62 people.