Making a difference in South Sudan

The Canada House Education Initiative isn't the only way Canadian troops are making a difference in South Sudan.

When Lt. Col. Sean Ward saw the conditions the people of Juba were living in, he challenged his team to come up with ways they could contribute to the community in their spare time.

"That's part of the higher mandate given to me from the Canadian Armed Forces. To try and make a positive impact if we can," said Ward.

Some of the efforts so far have included major improvements to the Confident Children out of Conflict compound.

The team used a $50,000 donation from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to purchase new computers and other equipment for classes.

On the CCC grounds is a shaded playground area for the children because of the especially warm temperatures.

A portion of the donation was used to build a gazebo over the area to replace a poorly constructed tent.

The Canadian Forces also used some of the funds to provide and install solar panels along the CCC's rooftop.

Lt. Col Ward explained the facility is entirely solar powered. With the addition of the solar panels, they can now power an entire computer classroom.

A fully functional kitchen, and bathrooms were added along with other major infrastructure changes, according to Ward.

He said if the Canada House Education Initiative cannot continue to run out of their own headquarters, he hopes to be able to donate equipment and money to the newly renovated CCC so they can pass along opportunities to disadvantages South Sudanese people.