Kiwandja, 28 July 2011 – As a farewell gift to the people of Rutshuru territory in North-Kivu Province, the Indian infantry battalion based in Kiwandja, some 70 kilometers north of Goma, offered a school block to the deaf and dumb that will serve 250 pupils.

The school was, through personal contributions, financed and constructed by the Indian battalion that will soon be departing the Democratic Republic of Congo after serving their term as peacekeepers in the country. They inaugurated the building on 28 July 2011.

As the building was being inaugurated, deaf and dumb children expressed their joy through sign language that moved some participants to tears.

The Territorial Administrator of Rutshuru, Justin Munkaya, expressed his gratitude to the UN peacekeepers for their "steady efforts for consolidating peace and helping the population through various achievements that have a significant positive impact on people's daily lives."

Residents milled around the new structure as it was being inaugurated rendering songs of praise for the peacekeepers and their contribution to their area throughout their stay.

In his speech the Nord-Kivu Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Chandi Mohanty told his audience: "The elements of the 24th Infantry Battalion of Punjab have been moved by the plight of this sensitive and needy population." He then added: "It is out of their compassion for the population in general and for these disabled children in particular, that these peacekeepers clubbed together and raised the necessary funds, and then used their military and logistical capabilities to build this school for these children."

The school's headmistress, Ms. Pascaline Katungo, echoed that thankful feeling, saying: "these selfless efforts of the Indian Blue Helmets will leave an indelible memory in the hearts of the people of Rutshuru, and as the school, it will remain there for future generations."

The highlight of the ceremony was the distribution of school kits containing uniforms, sports clothes and shoes, and musical instruments.

Clara Padovan/MONUSCO