The 15th Chinese peacekeeping engineer contingent to South Sudan on Friday donated educational supplies, sports equipment and daily necessities to students and teachers of a local girls' primary school in Wau, northwest of the country.
Located near the peacekeepers' camp, the school has faced severe shortages of essential supplies due to prolonged instability in the region.
In response, the Chinese contingent coordinated with relevant authorities to gather and deliver over 1,000 donated items, including school bags, footballs, basketballs, colored markers, and other essential supplies.
These donations aim to improve the school's teaching and recreational facilities, supporting both education and daily needs.
"So I would like to say thank, thank, thank to them for all the things that they are doing for us. They are supporting us here in school for not only Wau here, [but also] all over the South Sudan," said Peter, a teacher at the school.
With the help of the Chinese peacekeepers, the students tried their hand at writing Chinese characters, experiencing the charm of Chinese culture firsthand.
Meanwhile, the engineering contingent also treated the teachers and students with musical performances, including guitar shows.
"This humanitarian assistance initiative has not only provided tangible support to the school, but also planted seeds of friendship in the children's hearts, allowing them to experience the charm of different countries and cultures. Through this event, we have not only deepened mutual understanding and trust, but have also contributed our share to promoting world peace and development," said Huang Tao, a member of the 15th Chinese peacekeeping engineer contingent to South Sudan.
Chinese peacekeepers in South Sudan donate supplies to local school
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
