Spanish soldiers deployed in Central African Republic deliver school supplies to Notre Dame School

This educational institution takes in more than 400 children between the ages of 3 and 14, providing them with a welcoming, caring and educational environment.

Spanish military personnel deployed in the European Union Training Mission in the Central African Republic (EUTM RCA) have delivered school supplies to the Nôtre Dame School in the capital Bangui, as part of the civil-military cooperation project to support Central African society.

The Ecole Nôtre Dame welcomes more than 400 children between the ages of 3 and 14 and provides them not only with an education, but also with a welcoming and caring environment, providing them with basic resources and tools to improve their future.

The school supplies delivered by the Spanish military include pencils, notebooks and books, among others, essential for the centre's daily tasks. Thanks to this solidarity delivery, the children's learning and development is reinforced and the fundamental right to a decent education is supported.

Education is undoubtedly one of the main ways in the fight against poverty, as well as being the best way to raise awareness of the importance of establishing peace and coexistence in the Central African Republic. Therefore, and as part of Spain's commitment, this donation symbolises hope, commitment and solidarity with the new generations.

Spanish participation in the EUTM RCA mission: participation of Spain

EUTM RCA was launched on 16 July 2016, at the request of the Government of the Central African Republic, in the framework of the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). EUTM RCA is a non-executive mission, the purpose of which is to contribute to the European Union's effort in advising the CAR authorities in the field of security, as well as to contribute to the leadership development of young leaders (officers and non-commissioned officers) of the Central African Republic Armed Forces (FACA).

In this way, it contributes to the security sector reform led by the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), in order to strengthen its capacity to contribute to the defence of its territory and the protection of its population. 

Spain has been continuously present in this European mission. At present, it contributes seven military personnel from the Spanish Army: the Spanish colonel serves as the mission's Chief of Staff, while the rest occupy important posts in the EUTM RCA headquarters. In total, military personnel from nine European Union countries make up this mission, and Spain is the third largest contributor in terms of the number of troops deployed.