Latest news with #RadioMiraya
Zawya
15 hours ago
- General
- Zawya
Children call for prioritization of education in South Sudan on the Day of the African Child
Schoolchildren are calling on the government to prioritize education to secure their future as they met to commemorate the Day of the African Child in Juba, South Sudan. At an all-day jamboree hosted by Radio Miraya, operated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, 20 schoolchildren from two schools took over programs and hammered home the message that quality education is paramount to the future of the country's young population. 'If South Sudan is to become as developed as Uganda and Kenya, then our government needs to invest in training for our teachers and provide resources for our schools,' says 12-year Torosa Addisan from the Bishop Mazzoldi Memorial Basic School. 'That way, we can all learn the best education methods and improve our examination scores,' he says to nods from the other three children who, together with him, hosted the Miraya Breakfast Show. Over in another studio, 11-year-old Naima Alex from the Juba Parents School is one half of a duo reading out the news in English to listeners. Although still an adolescent, Naima thinks for a while before saying that she is very concerned about the future and has her heart set on becoming a doctor when she grows up. But for now, English is her favorite subject at school. 'I like English because it allows me to read more and to learn new things and to understand about the world. I want to become a doctor so that I can save lives in South Sudan and take care of people when they become sick,' says Naima. The Day of the African Child honors South African school children who lost their lives in 1976 while leading a revolt against the Apartheid government to seek a better education. Every year, UNMISS commemorates this day by giving school children a platform on Radio Miraya to speak about their challenges and to suggest solutions in their own words. Children in South Sudan face overwhelming challenges as the country grapples with some of the lowest indicators on the continent for children's health, nutrition, and education. A report from the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) indicates that over 70% of South Sudanese children are out of school due to a combination of factors, including conflict, displacement, and natural hazards such as seasonal flooding. This is compounded by the lack of educational facilities and poorly trained teachers. Fourteen-year-old Intisar Faisal from Juba Parents School is one of the most fluent Arabic speakers in her class. Today she reads out the news in Arabic alongside Radio Miraya's anchor, Abraham Malek, who commends her calmness after they complete the broadcast. Asked about the significance of the day and why it matters to her, she is quiet at first. Naturally shy, she thinks for a while and then says: 'African children need to be provided with more education opportunities, and I want to tell all the girls that we must complete school if we want to have a bright future.' Today's rendition of The Beat programme was led by 13-year-old Irvei Deng and four other children who take listeners through an hour of upbeat music, a snapshot of the day's newspaper headlines, a reading of the weather, and even calls from listeners. 'I loved the experience,' says Irvei, her eyes twinkling with joy. 'At first, I was a little nervous, but it felt so nice to be connected and to get those live calls from people.' Her co-hosts could not match her enthusiasm, but they all looked equally pleased to have been a part of the show to commemorate the Day of the African Child. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
12-03-2025
- Zawya
South Sudan: New Radio Miraya transmitter in Mayom, promotes peace and gives grassroots a voice
People in some of the most populated parts of Mayom County can now tune in to Radio Miraya, a broadcaster operated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), to stay reliably informed. Local authorities and residents alike hope that the newly installed transmitter will also aid efforts to prevent persistent cattle raiding and promote peace in the area. 'Women here have been rather isolated and with little say in county affairs, but with Radio Miraya present we shall both listen and have our voices heard across South Sudan,' said Tereza Nyirika, Chairperson of the Mayom Women's Association at an International Women's Day event that included the launch of the broadcast transmitter. The Commissioners of the counties of Mayom and Abiemnhom, both present on the day, were both optimistic about the radio presence being able to play an important role in sharing information and serving as an early warning mechanism to prevent cattle thefts and other crimes before they take place. 'By working closing together with neighbouring counties and communities we can share critical information, improve relations between us and make it possible to live peacefully together. Radio Miraya news and public service announcements can educate our people and save the lives of both humans and livestock,' said James Lyly, the Mayom County Commissioner. Installing Radio Miraya transmitters in hard-to-reach areas of South Sudan is a priority of the UN peacekeeping mission. 'We are one of few trustworthy sources of information in the country, and as such we can raise awareness on critical issues, promote peace and give a voice to people at the grassroots level,' said Ratomir Petrovic, Chief of the UNMISS-run station. To prevent conflicts and protect civilians in the area, the mission has a temporary operating base in nearby Abiemnhom, with the presence of Blue Helmets having already yielded tangible results. Recently, some 200 cows stolen by Mayom youth from neighbouring Twic County were recovered and returned to their rightful owners. "This success shows what we can achieve together with effective cooperation between counties. It also highlights our commitment to maintaining peace,' commented County Commissioner Lyly. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
New United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)-hosted Community Conversations radio show seeks to enhance civic and political space in South Sudan
'Community Conversations is one of the critical pillars for bridging the gap and bringing everyone together for diverse views to be heard, understood and appreciated.' Speaking at the launch of a new platform promoting grassroots engagement on the key issues confronting South Sudan, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Peace Building, Pia Philip Michael, stressed the importance of enabling diverse communities to communicate in an inclusive and interactive environment. The Community Conversations show is a new programme hosted by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan's Radio Miraya network, which is dedicated to reaching large, diverse and remote audiences across the country with information of importance and messages of peace. 'Miraya reaches even the most isolated corners of the country and has become more than just a medium of entertainment. It is a lifeline that informs, educates, and unites,' said Chief of Radio Miraya, Ratomir Petrovic. 'The Community Conversations show gives communities a voice, an opportunity to freely express their views on issues that are close to their hearts and affect their day to day lives.' As the most powerful tool for reaching audiences in a country where illiteracy rates are high and internet penetration is poor, this radio-based initiative provides an important opportunity for those who are often marginalized, including youth and women, to participate in important discussions on community wellbeing, governance, and peacebuilding. 'Community Conversations is critical because it is a platform to strengthen and promote inclusion: inclusion of ideas, inclusion of views and thoughts, so that the people of South Sudan have a common agenda of building the country and, also, respecting each other's opinions,' said Pia Philip Michael. The inclusive approach was exemplified by the event itself which featured vibrant cultural performances, including from the Kresh and Avukaya minority tribes. Some participants remarked that, while they had heard of these tribes, they had never encountered them in person or experienced their traditional dance. The initiative is all about building understanding and trust, promoting cultural diversity and encouraging people to embrace unity, build a sense of nationhood and collective movement for peace. 'Peace cannot be realized by force. It's not by use of arms, but it is by understanding,' said the Undersecretary for the Ministry of Information, Dr. Yath Awan Yath. 'It is for me and you to stand up for peace, to forgive one another, to say no to revenge, to hear other people's opinion, to use dialogue as a means of resolving our differences. That's when development, economic growth, our children going to school, food in abundance, will be realized in South Sudan.' The program, led by UNMISS' Community Outreach Unit, will air three times a week as part of a broader communications campaign under the theme 'Peace Begins with Me' that seeks to enhance the political and civic space in South Sudan. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Plane crashes in South Sudan, killing 18, UN radio says
NAIROBI (Reuters) -A plane carrying 21 passengers and crew in South Sudan's Unity State crashed on Wednesday, killing 18 people, United Nations' Radio Miraya reported. The plane had departed from an oilfield in the northern state when it crashed, according to Radio Miraya, which is run by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The report gave no more details and Information Minister Michael Makuei did not immediately respond to a request for comment. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Several air crashes have occurred in war-torn South Sudan in recent years. In September 2018, at least 19 people died when a small aircraft carrying passengers from the capital Juba to the city of Yirol crashed. In 2015, dozens of people were killed when a Russian-built cargo plane with passengers on board crashed after taking off from the airport in the capital Juba.
