To mark the 135th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh and the 11th anniversary of the Viet Nam Department of Peacekeeping Operations' Traditional Day, Viet Nam’s Engineering Unit Rotation 3 organised a series of meaningful activities at the UNISFA Mission site. Among the highlights was a special programme to celebrate the International Children’s Day (June 1) for children living near Abyei Church, an area still grappling with many hardships and shortages.
In the run-up to International Children’s Day, despite being busy with critical tasks such as upgrading roads, repairing a helicopter airfield, constructing a smart military camp, and preparing for the United Nations' comprehensive capability assessment, the Vietnamese Blue Berets of Engineering Unit No.3 never forgot about the local children.
Children here have little access to games, entertainment, or cartoons. Parish priest Bino, the parish priest of the Catholic Church in the Abyei area, shared: “We also have an international day for children, but due to security issues, we’ve had to suspend these activities.”
Guiding the children in making toys.
With love and compassion for children across the globe, the officers, soldiers and staff of Engineering Unit No.3 prepared hundreds of gifts, including sweets, toys, notebooks, colouring pencils, and a uniquely engaging activity: crafting toys from recycled materials.
Under the children’s nimble fingers and the creative guidance of the Vietnamese peacekeepers, old newspapers, plastic bottles, nylon bags, and tin cans were transformed into kites, pinwheels, toy cars, boats, and animal figures. This activity not only promoted environmental awareness but also sparked creativity and enthusiasm among the children.
Crafts created with the children’s joy and excitement.
Lieutenant Colonel Le Hong Giang, Political Commissar of Engineering Company No.3, shared: “We wanted to offer the children not only gifts, but memorable experiences—something to cherish as childhood memories. To ensure our efforts are practical and lasting, we coordinated with the parish priest to select a few bright, quick-learning children and brought them to the Highway base, where they were taught to sing and make toys under the guidance of our female soldiers. These children will go on to spread the knowledge and joy within their community. Through these games, we wish to send a message of friendship, peace, and hope for a brighter future.”
Lieutenant Colonel Eka Shinta, Head of Civil-Military Coordination at the Mission, remarked: “This is a truly meaningful International Children’s Day celebration organised by Viet Nam’s Engineering Company No.3. You’ve fostered community engagement here in Abyei through this activity. For me, it’s not just about celebrating Children’s Day—it’s also about building community skills and sharing genuine love and care.”
Abyei children gather with Vietnamese soldiers to celebrate International Children’s Day.
Many children couldn’t hide their joy. Rebeca Garang, a 12-year-old sixth-grader, beamed: “I was so happy! I got to visit the Highway base last week. We played games, ate sweets, drank juice, and made many beautiful toys. I really love the Vietnamese soldiers!”
Deeply moved by the consistent support of the Vietnamese Blue Berets, parish priest Bino Osman expressed his gratitude: “Thank you for your friendship. We’ve learned so much from you. You came here with toys and games from Viet Nam and taught our children at the church. I can see how happy our children are. As you know, children are our future, and you have helped us greatly by bringing something new and special from Viet Nam to share with us.”
“I hope we can work together to help our children grow up in a well-rounded way. Thank you for all you’ve done for the church and for the Abyei community. In my heart, Viet Nam will always be a dear friend!”
Engineering Unit No.3 and local representatives enjoy Children’s Day celebrations with Abyei’s children.
