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BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan — The Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team, working with paratroopers from 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, conducted an assessment to ensure quality construction of the Gardez Center of Educational Excellence, April 2. The construction for the center was coordinated by the provincial governor and the Ministry of Education and began construction in March 2008.
"This will be the flagship school project for the Paktya province. There isn't a nicer facility that's been built here so far, so everyone is very excited about it. It will be their pearl, their pride and joy," said PRT commander, Lt. Col. Daniel Moy.
The purpose of the school is to provide a safe educational environment for all levels of academics, extending into the first two years of collegiate studies. The curriculum has been provided and approved by the provincial government, and caters to both males and females.
The school also bolsters the local economy by providing stable employment for teachers, contractors and maintenance workers.
"The contractor is hiring local people and assuring that the construction is done to the ministry standard. He understands what we're looking for," said Moy.
The CoEE is centrally located in Gardez and consists of a 10-room school house for boys, a 10-room school house for girls, a library, computer lab, Mosque, dining facility, boys' dormitory, and an orchard. Modern and practical construction compliments the schools' facilities, and simple conveniences exceeding the area standards include paved sidewalks, latrines and ample storage space.
The PRT toured the entire facility during the assessment and expressed their pleasure with the progress.
"The quality of the construction is great. It is obviously a very complex project, and the contractor is progressing very well," said Air Force Maj. Kimberly Riggs, the engineer officer in charge of the PRT. "We haven't really had any issues on this project as far as construction goes."
In addition, the Afghanistan government's dedication to projects such as this school provides a link with the locals, encouraging a solid relationship and trust in the capability of their government.
"This investment helps the perception of the populace toward their government," said Moy. "We want people here to believe in hope and to anticipate the future, to understand that tomorrow has something better than today, and that tomorrow is linked to what their government is doing."
The school is expected to be completed sometime this summer.
| Date Taken: | 04.02.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 05.29.2009 09:34 |
| Story ID: | 34278 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 148 |
| Downloads: | 130 |
This work, Afghanistan government officials provide continuing education for locals, by PFC Andrya Hill, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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