NEWSLINE

The South Sudan Disarmament Demobilization and Reintegration (SSDDR) Commission is carrying out a survey on ex-combatants in Eastern Equatoria State to find out how they are reintegrating. Officials from SSDDR Commission sample bread made by ex-combatant Lily Ayaa (Right). [Gurtong] TORIT, 26 July 2012 [Gurtong] - Speaking to Gurtong Lily Ayaa one of the women trained on catering said she is now able to use the knowledge she acquired to prepare bread and biscuits for sale. “I want to thank SSDDR for the skills they have given us”, she said. SSDDR in Eastern Equatoria has trained and many ex-combatants on various courses and skills. Ayaa says that the only problem she encounters is lack of enough customers to purchase all her produce as a large number of people in the area do not have stable income. A new program by SSDDR comes into effect in this year to provide for guidance on all the policies and strategic directions related to the disarmam

Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's. Enjoy the simple things. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help. Don't take guilt tr

Face of South Sudan Beauty Pageant Held in Australia Jeddy Malesh, originally from Central Equatoria State has been crownedthe ‘Face of South Sudan’ in Perth, Western Australia. 25 July 2012 International model Makur Chuot poses with the other contestants during the recent Face of South Sudan Beauty pageant in Perth, Australia. [Gurtong/ ] PERTH, 24 July 2012 [Gurtong] –The South Sudanese community in Perth, Western Australia converged for the beauty pageant at Herb Graham Recreational Centre in Perth. A total of seventeen young South Sudanese ladies took part in the contest. The contestants opened the floor with what the organisers termed ‘unifying dance’ before embarking on a three round contest featuring a catwalk. The different attires on display included African blends with some symbolic artefacts reflective of different South Sudanese cultures as well as western style evening dresses. The third round was a talent contest featu

South Sudan Signs International Treaties South Sudan last week acceded to the 1949 Geneva Conventions and other international protocols. 24 July 2012 The South Sudan National Legislative Assembly. [File Photo] Juba, 24 July 2012 [Gurtong] - This came after the National Legislative Assembly on Monday passed a bill to ratify the conventions. These laws form the core of international humanitarian law which sets out rules and seeks humanitarian reasons to limit the effects of armed conflict. The laws protect persons in or no longer participating in hostilities, such as civilians, health workers and aid workers, wounded or sick soldiers, prisoners of war and other persons deprived of their liberty. The law also imposes restrictions on the means and methods of warfare to which parties to conflict can resort. The Chairman of the Committee on Legislation and Justice at the National Legislative Assembly Dengtiel Ayuen Kuur described the signing of the

Arsenal reject Manchester United's bid for Robin van Persie • Arsenal want at least £20m for striker • Dutchman unlikely to tour far east Arsenal have yet to decide whether to bring Robin van Persie on their pre-season tour of Asia. Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images Manchester United have made an offer for Robin Van Persie , although it is not believed to be sufficient to tempt Arsenal to sell. The London club want at least £20m for their captain, and United have not yet threatened that figure. Manchester City and Juventus have also made their interest in Van Persie clear to Arsenal and the chase for his signature is hotting up. City must sell some of the strikers on their pay-roll before they can attempt to buy the Holland international. Van Persie, who has 12 months to run on his Arsenal c

NGO Supporting Agricultural Production In Jonglei The Polish Aid Humanitarian (PAH) organization has handed over more than 40 acres of cultivated land to Abang community in Jonglei State. July 2012 Kur Bher Kur from Polish Aid Humanitarian Shows the Abang Community in Jonglei the cultivated land for ready for planting. [Gurtong/ ] BOR, July 2012 [Gurtong] –Ann Extention Worker at PAH Marial Ayen told Gurtong that their mission is to uplift the local communities by giving them support in cultivation of land. “We have cultivated 40 Feddans and next year we will increase to 50 Feddans if we receive funding”, says Ayen. Ayen said that PAH is ready to offer support and uplift the communities in Jonglei. “My duties here are to train the farmers on how to cultivate and how to embrace row planting”, he said. Row planting is the new method that is being by promoted by PAH instead of sowing of seeds whic

Fishing For Survival A 13 year old boy in Western Equatorial State has turned to fishing to raise money for his school fees. 19 July 2012 Justin Apai with his younger brother after fishing at the Nakpangau Water Pond. [Gurtong/] YAMBIO, 19July 2012 [Gurtong] - Justin Apai says that the fishing helps him buy books for his studies and also serves as a meal for his family. “Beef prices have increased with a kilogram going for20 South Sudanese Pounds which our family cannot afford”, says Apai. Apai adds that he is encouraged to concentrate on his studies by his parents and wants to become an accountant in future. Apai urges his friends to help parents especially at this moment when prices of commodities have increased. The Nakpangau Water Pond, where Apai conducts fishing, was built in the 1980’s to serve as a water dam for the residents