EU and Unicef to train teachers, midwives in Darfur

The EU and Unicef began the implementation of two projects in Darfur in the fields of health and education on Monday. In a joint statement on Monday, the EU and Unicef reported that the two projects will enhance the basic services in Darfur. The projects, entirely funded by €3 million from the EU, are to be implemented by Unicef and partners until October 2016. The health project is expected to instruct 28 midwifery trainers, 300 technical midwives, 120 nurses, and 16 health specialists. In parallel, the education project will sustain 2,000 teachers, 80 training teachers and 450 schools headmasters that will expand the educational gain for more than 100,000 students in the five Darfur states. Both projects are implemented in coordination with the Federal Ministries of Education and Health and the local governments in Darfur. Ambassador Tomas Ulicny, Head of the EU Delegation to Sudan, stated that peace and development in Darfur require sustained stability, security, as well as access for international organisations to apply their mandates.   The Unicef Representative in Sudan, Geert Cappelaere, said that “Unicef is very happy that the EU is deepening its engagement for the children of Darfur through this grant. Growing up healthy and educated is the right of every boy and girl in Darfur, and we will do our level best at Unicef to ensure a great return on this critical investment in basic education and primary health care in Darfur. Sustained investment in developing the health and education sectors in Darfur will be essential for the years to come; it will give the children of Darfur a brighter future”. Photo: Darfuri children with Unicef flags (Unicef)