When a violent storm ripped the roofs off Kapuri Primary School in Juba County last May, it threatened more than bricks and mortar. For hundreds of children, it put their education—and future—on hold.
What began as destruction has since become a powerful story of resilience, partnership, and renewal.
Rwandan peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) were among the first to respond. Moving swiftly, they reconstructed the badly damaged classrooms, restoring a sense of safety and normalcy for teachers and learners alike. “When the storm hit, we feared years of progress were lost in a single day,” recalls Head Teacher Monday James. “But UNMISS didn’t just rebuild walls; they restored our confidence.”
The intervention built on a relationship forged more than a decade ago. In 2014, peacekeepers first encountered Kapuri’s pupils studying outdoors under trees, exposed to the elements. Alarmed by the conditions, UNMISS supported the construction of a permanent school—laying the foundation for what has now evolved into a vibrant community hub.
During the latest reconstruction, peacekeepers worked hand in hand with local residents to go beyond repairs. They installed heat-reducing ceilings, a high-capacity solar power system, and water storage tanks that now provide clean water not only to the school, but also to surrounding households. In a community long deprived of basic services, reliable electricity and water have been transformative.
Behind the classrooms, another quiet revolution is taking root. A kitchen garden, established with seeds provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is teaching students how to grow their own food. The children are now passing these skills to their families—sharing lessons on planting cycles, crop care, and sustainable farming.
“Our goal was never just to fix a roof,” says Colonel Leo Uwizeyimana, UNMISS Rwanbatt-3 Contingent Commander. “It was to empower the community to stand on its own. Teaching a child to maintain a garden is an investment in long-term resilience.”
Today, most families in the area have replicated the farming practices in their own compounds. The storm that once symbolized loss is now remembered as the beginning of lasting change—a reminder that protecting civilians also means helping communities grow strong enough to protect themselves.
Source: UN Mission in South Sudan
