Girl's school opening in Salang

AFGHANISTAN

01.16.2010

Courtesy Story

300th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

By U.S. Army Spc. William E. Henry

PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Hundreds of people from the Salang district area in Parwan province, Afghanistan, gathered into the hallways of a new school to witness its opening ceremony, Jan. 16.

Many speakers, including the Parwan province governor, Abdul Basir Salangi, came to praise the work of the coalition forces and thanked Task Force Gladius for their help with the 24 classroom Salang Girl's High School.

Salangi commended Gladius on their dedication and spoke on the importance of having education in areas like Salang.

"Illiteracy in our community is the mother of all the problems in our society," said Salangi.

U.S. Army Maj. John Barton, Task Force Gladius Civil Affairs Team officer, worked closely with the project and was present to speak at the event.

Barton, a Rock Springs, Wyo., resident, said the greatest types of projects that he's had the privilege to work with are schools.

"These schools represent the best of what we are doing," said Barton. "These schools represent not just an investment today. These schools represent a major investment in the future of this country and the future of the children in this country."

• Date Taken: 01.16.2010
• Date Posted: 01.17.2010 10:56
• Story ID: 44016
• Location: AF