Some 137 Joint Integrated Unit (JIU) soldiers were awarded certificates by Bangladeshi Sector Commander Col. Ifterkhar Uddin Mahmud in Juba on 21 October for a three-week course they completed earlier this year.

UNMIS' Bangladeshi contingent trained the JIUs in computer operations, first aid and carpentry, and offered military police and vehicle maintenance courses. The aim was to provide knowledge which the forces could use in both their professional and personal lives.

Addressing the certificate ceremony, Col. Uddin said that giving training to the JIUs was important for development and could act as a tool in the peace process.

"By means of joint training, cohesiveness and bonding between the members of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA) certainly increases, which is essential in order to bring peace and stability in Sudan," the Bangladeshi commander said.

Acknowledging challenges in getting the training underway, including the language barrier and lack of training materials, the sector commander thanked SAF Commander Omar Akasha Babikir and SPLA Commander Maj. Gen. Marial Chanhang for their assistance.

Speaking at the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Chanhang said the training was the first since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and a much-needed exercise.

"We have 9,000 JIUs to be trained and I asked UNMIS to train them in large numbers," he said. Adding that the training would enhance the forces' performance in various offices, he requested UNMIS to provide more courses.

"I want more training on other topics like agriculture so that when I go home, I will have something to earn money (with)," said Sgt. Santino Majok, who completed the engineering course in vehicle maintenance.