DIYALA, Iraq — As students across the United States are running out of the front door of their school for the summer vacation, one school in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, is beckoning both children and community members to stay and take a tour around.

Outside the Al-Khindi school gathered, local government officials, members of the Diyala Provincial Reconstruction Team and Soldiers from the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, as the Diyala Provincial governor, Abdal Nassir, cut the ribbon during a ceremony to commemorate its' reconstruction, May 24.

"When we first got here, we wanted to touch every school in Diyala," said Capt. Dan Threkeld, battery commander for Battery B, 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 3SBCT, 2ID.

As the security environment in Diyala province continues to improve, the PRT and U.S. Forces are collaborating with local Iraqi officials to restore schools and provide children with a safe place to learn.

Initially, schools needing several renovations were identified, and this particular school came up on our list because it was completely destroyed, said Threkeld.

It took three months and $180,000 to turn this building into a brightly colored 24 room school. Every component, from the floors to the ceilings was repaired. The electrical wiring and plumbing were upgraded and fans and air conditioners were installed.

"I wish that this great achievement in making this a nice school will set an example for all the schools in Diyala province," said the Diyala Provincial governor, during a speech to the local reporters attending the ceremony.

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