ANSF, Coalition forces reopen school

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

11.07.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan national security forces and coalition forces reopened a school in Khas Oruzgan District, Oruzgan province in late October.

"We are committed to opening new schools and repairing all of the destruction caused by the Taliban," said an Afghan national army soldier.

The journey to open the school started last spring after the Taliban came through the district, forced all of the schools to close, and killed several teachers and students. Soon after securing the area, the combined force was on a reconnaissance patrol when a 12-year-old boy approached the patrol.

"The boy just rushed up to the convoy and asked to be arrested," a coalition forces soldier said. "This took us back at first, he said he needed help, but he couldn't talk unless he was arrested because the Taliban would kill him."

The boy pulled out a petition to open the schools in the Khas Oruzgan District. The boy secretly went around the village and had more than 70 children sign the petition to open the schools.

Shortly after, ANSF and the coalition opened a school in the Khas Village. More than 225 students began attending classes. Three local teachers were hired to teach reading, writing and arithmetic in Arabic. The local ANA commander taught the religious classes.

"The students love to learn and the effects can be seen throughout the village," the soldier said.

The summer came and like before the Taliban terrorized all of the students out the school.

"We had to protect the teachers on the base because the Taliban were attempting to kill them," he said. "The Taliban continuously attempts to destroy all progress."

After ANSF and coalition secured the Khas Oruzgan District, the combined forces reopened the school and have a plan to open the remaining schools in the district.

"This is another heartless attempt by the Taliban to impede progress," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesman. "It's undeniable, these terrorists don't support the future of the Afghan children."

• Date Taken: 11.07.2007
• Date Posted: 11.07.2007 09:27
• Story ID: 13702
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF