9 . My name is Nasilele and I am from Zambia. I’ve been working as a UN Peacekeeper in the Central African Republic for the past two years. Before this, I was a pilot in my country’s army and I enjoyed my work a lot. However, Zambia is a very peaceful country and I was aware that there are other countries in Africa, where there has been a lot of violent conflicts. I felt it was my duty to help innocent people who are caught in the middle of these conflicts, so I signed up with the United Nations.
The Central African Republic is a relatively small country of five million people. Since it got independence from France in the 1950s, there have been many violent conflicts between the government and rebels (反叛者) who do not want the leaders in power. Often the army has been in conflict with leaders, which has led to many problems. In 2012, a civil war began. Conflicts between different religions and ethnic groups (种族) were the main causes. Due to this civil war, over one million people were forced to flee their homes and there were many deaths and injuries. In response to this, in 2014, the United Nations established a peacekeeping mission in the country.
My fellow peacekeepers are from many different countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Rwanda and others. This is a good thing as it ensures that there are many different cultures and backgrounds all working towards the same goals. Our roles vary with many different tasks from one day to the next. We monitor cities and villages to ensure that no conflict is occurring, help bring supplies of food and medicine to those who need it and write reports on everything we do and see. Our role never involves violence against others. We are a barrier that can keep people in conflict apart.
As a woman, I am particularly valued by the United Nations Peacekeepers as I can act as a role model for many women and girls in the country. When they see my role and how others respect me, I hope they feel that they also deserve to be respected and treated equally to men.
My life is not glamorous (富有魅力的) in any way! It’s long hours in a very tough environment. I have basic accommodation with just a bed in a shared room and a small kitchen and bathroom. Of course, being away from my family and friends is also very hard at times. However, I know that the Central African Republic is safer because of the UN Peacekeepers, and that makes it all worthwhile.
1. What motivated the author to be a peacekeeper?
| A．Helping ordinary people in ethnic conflicts. |
| B．Being a pilot in the United Nations Army. |
| C．Living in the Central African Republic. |
| D．Preventing racial conflicts. |
2. What could be inferred from Paragraph 2 about the Central African Republic?
| A．It did not gain independence until the mid-19th century. |
| B．The mission of the peacekeeping force there is to end the civil war. |
| C．The UN has sent peacekeepers to the country since its independence. |
| D．More than one in five people were made homeless during the civil war. |
3. What could we learn from Paragraph 3?
| A．Peacekeeping forces must ensure local cultural diversity (多样性). |
| B．Peacekeepers have many different jobs to do every day. |
| C．Peacekeepers are not required to record their daily work. |
| D．The job of the peacekeepers is to monitor the behavior of the local people. |
4. Why do peacekeepers value the author?
| A．Because she is a unique woman. |
| B．Because women are desperately needed in peacekeeping forces. |
| C．Because she can be a role model for local women. |
| D．Because she’s a respectable woman. |
5. How did the author feel about being a peacemaker?
| A．Puzzled. | B．Interesting. | C．Frightened. | D．Helpful. |
