Photo By Sgt. Jared Sollars | Soldiers interact with children outside of a new school built in the city of Khalkalan...... read more read more
Subscribe
FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq — During the 2nd "Black Jack" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division's time in Iraq, the unit has helped build and renovate 25 school facilities now ready to open for the upcoming school year.
"The three schools I visited in the last two weeks in the vicinity of Rashaad are excellent examples of how the Soldiers are making a tremendous difference in their areas of operations," said Lt. Col. Hugh R. McNeely, the deputy commander of 2nd BCT, 1st Cav. Div.
The three schools McNeely visited are the only schools the villages of Saba Nissan, Al Fashka and Al Wadwai have ever had. So for the first time in the history of these villages, the local children will have a place to go to develop their young minds.
"These schools are beacons of these communities, which are made up of mud houses and no other significant structures," said McNeely. "Each one is well constructed and should be a lasting example of U.S. commitment and friendship with the people of Iraq."
Each schoolhouse is a six-room building with running water, electricity and student desks. These school projects also help their local economies by providing both temporary and permanent jobs.
"The people in the villages where we've built these schoolhouses in have been very receptive and supportive of the projects," said Lt. Col. Andrew Shoffner, the commander of 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. "They are taking pride in these schools."
During his visit to Al Fashka, McNeely spoke with an elementary-age child who said he was excited to go to the new school. The child said it would be his first time ever attending any form of school.
Another recently constructed school in Qaranaw village in Kirkuk province will be able to facilitate over 500 students, a first for the community.
"The kids get a better education, which is good for long-term stability," said Lt. Col. Terry Cook, the commander of 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd BCT, 1st Cav. Div., whose unit is responsible for the small community.
According to Cook, however, most efforts go into renovation as opposed to new construction. The Iraqi Ministry of Education assesses they need 200 new schools throughout Kirkuk province to accommodate the population, an endeavor which 2nd BCT and members of the Kirkuk Provincial Reconstruction Team are working with the provincial government to plan and resource.
"For now, we analyze the situation and look at existing schools to find ways for renovation or expansion to improve the quality of education," Cook said.
The "Black Jack" Brigade still has a number of other school projects under construction which will open as they are completed.
McNeely said the partnership between the government of Iraq, the civil affairs team, the battalions and the provincial reconstruction team is responsible for these projects coming together.
| Date Taken: | 09.25.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 09.25.2009 20:00 |
| Story ID: | 39280 |
| Location: | KIRKUK, IQ |
| Web Views: | 282 |
| Downloads: | 252 |
This work, Building the building blocks of education, by SGT Jared Sollars, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT