VOA标准英语2012--S. Sudan Prepares for 1st Independence Anniversary

 

S. Sudan Prepares for 1st Independence Anniversary

Across Juba, people are working around the clock to prepare the city for South Sudan's first ever Independence Day anniversary. Over the past week, streets have been swept, fresh paint has been applied¹ and trees are being planted to welcome the various dignitaries from around the world expected at the celebrations. South Sudan has even installed new solar-powered streetlights along many of Juba's main roads.

The big event will take place in Juba, at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum, dedicated² to the man who led South Sudan's rebel army during the 21-year civil war with Sudan. South Sudan's first president, Salva Kiir, is expected to speak here to tens of thousands. And leaders from across the region have been invited.

South Sudan has had a difficult first year as a nation. Repeated conflict with neighboring Sudan, corruption³ scandals and the shutdown of its oil production have led to a sharp decline in its currency and a rise in the price of food and fuel. But Information Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin says South Sudan will be able to weather the difficulties as it moves into its second year.

"We will be engaged in getting financial loans from some friendly countries on the guarantees of the enormous resources that this country has, one of them is oil, plus the enormous other resources in agriculture, in wildlife, in tourism and in all these areas. So definitely, some development loans could be able to help," he said.

Despite the worries of the international community, many in Juba are excited and eager for the upcoming celebrations. For one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world, the anniversary celebrations also provide a chance to look forward to a brighter future.

Here at the UNICEF offices in Juba, school children have been invited to paint the walls with messages for their fellow schoolmates. One of them is Joyce.

"With my drawing here I have my vision of building many schools, hospitals, to help my people since my country is now an independent country," said Joyce.

It is messages and scenes like these that South Sudan hopes to project as it prepares for its big day on July 9. And some residents are ready for a celebration. But with rising inflation, corruption and conflict, many observers are not sure that South Sudan's second year as a nation will be better than its first. 

1 applied   

adj.应用的；v.应用，适用

参考例句：

• She plans to take a course in applied linguistics.她打算学习应用语言学课程。
• This cream is best applied to the face at night.这种乳霜最好晚上擦脸用。

2 dedicated   

adj.一心一意的；献身的；热诚的

参考例句：

• He dedicated his life to the cause of education.他献身于教育事业。
• His whole energies are dedicated to improve the design.他的全部精力都放在改进这项设计上了。

3 corruption   

n.腐败，堕落，贪污

参考例句：

• The people asked the government to hit out against corruption and theft.人民要求政府严惩贪污盗窃。
• The old man reviled against corruption.那老人痛斥了贪污舞弊。