Building a better South Sudan: Sapper Murray
South Sudan is ranked one of the poorest countries in the world, that’s why as part of the United Nations mission UK Engineers are helping to build the infrastructure to make the country a safer and better place.
Sapper Jade Murray is from 75 Engineers Army Reserves. She tells us all about her experience working with the regulars on Op TRENTON. 👇
I am currently deployed on Op TRENTON, I am based in Bentiu in South Sudan.
I started my journey here with an overnight flight from Brize Norton to Nairobi. Where we then headed to Juba where we were briefed on the various aspects of the deployment.
There was another flight to Bentiu. Once we landed we settled in and then we got straight onto doing our engineering tasks.
Since being here I have been involved in various different engineering tasks. From 10km of route upgrades, which allows the UN personnel to transit better, to building 3 accommodation blocks and a drainage system.
The route upgrades are vital in this area, not only for the UN personnel but for the local Sudanese women. These upgrades mean that women no longer have to walk through the bush, where they are likely to be attacked.
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Conflict-Related Violence in South Sudan is a big problem, this is why we have been doing the work we have doing.
I also have been involved in giving self-defence classes to the local Sudanese women. We have been teaching them basic punching drills, elbows and some grappling — how to get away from people choking you.
My favourite part of being on this deployment has been working with my team to complete different engineering tasks. I have also met some great people out here and hopefully, the work that we have done here is going to go on and help the next mission.
We are not here for war, we are here to help, we are here to interact with people. On the ground, we want to engage with the locals. The kids, they absolutely love the soldiers they run up to us.
I wanted to deploy on an operation to experience what it was like working with other nations in particular with the United Nations. I really wanted to see what impact the British Army around the world.
On civvie street, I am a self-employed Painter and Decorator. As a reservist, being on deployment with the regulars has been difficult but I have absolutely loved the experience of being out here and being a full-time soldier.
Read more about some of the women who are keeping Britain safe on deployment: 👇
