Supporting Education Brings Appreciation

HAIRATAN, AFGHANISTAN

09.20.2010

Courtesy Story

1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division

HAIRATAN, Afghanistan – Since their arrival at the small border town of Hairatan in Northern Afghanistan, Soldiers of Alpha Company, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion from the 10th Mountain Division ‘s 1st Brigade Combat Team, have, for the most part, gone unseen.

Recently however, many in the Afghan community have stopped and taken notice due to a recent mission the unit has taken on to help out a local school.

During an initial visit to one of the schools, Soldiers of 1BSTB noted that the conditions the students and teachers were working in were not an adequate for a learning environment.

A contract was then established and a contractor was hired to make improvements – digging a well, erecting a playground, setting up desks and chairs, and supplying several pieces of furniture, to include refrigerators and fans.

Knowing that long term developmental gains emerge from strong educational programs, 1BSTB sought to increase the incentive for students and teachers to maximize their efforts alike.

Shortly before the completion of the contract, one platoon from A Company conducted a visit at the school in order to assess the progress and gauge the reaction of teachers and students.

“Finding the project nearly complete,” said 1st Lt. Alexander Kline. “We discussed the impact of the project and any further aid they request. Additionally, we gave to them some humanitarian aid that one of my squad leaders had sent to him from his family.”

The school staff and the Soldiers discussed the intricacies of the school, to include daily schedule, number of students, and sources of funding.

“I realized just how significant a seemingly minor project such as improving a school is to the locals.” Kline said. “The Soldiers of A Company grew up in the American public school system, reaping the benefit of a well funded school system. The people of Afghanistan have to struggle for opportunity to attend school and receive an education.”

Kline noted the passion of the community for their children to receive an education was overwhelming.

As the Soldiers left, they heard a bell in the distance ringing, signaling the end of the day’s session. This was followed by the clamor of energetic children, all rushing toward them.

“One of my Soldiers had anticipated this, and was throwing handfuls of candy to them,” Kline smiled. “We got several pictures with the children and then decided to leave while the mob of small and excited children was still manageable.”

After they left, Kline was discussing the details of the mission with his platoon when one of the Soldiers commented on the level of appreciation the locals felt for them.

The Soldier explained that during the Lieutenants’ meeting with the school staff. The Soldiers providing security were approached by a local man that spoke English. He introduced himself and said the people of Hairatan are growing appreciative of them because they not only help the schools, but they help keep the Taliban away.

Kline said that while they have made efforts to gain the respect and trust of the community through other projects and working with local security forces, it took the attention given to this one school to grab the attention of the people.

“The immediate gains of the project are obvious,” explained Kline. “A stronger presence in Hairatan and a greater rapport in the district – but the lasting effect of this will resonate far beyond our presence in Afghanistan.”

Kline feels this effect is the benefit of equipping the youngest generation with the strong education necessary to enable the people of Afghanistan to take ownership of their country and their well being.

• Date Taken: 09.20.2010
• Date Posted: 09.20.2010 00:41
• Story ID: 56599
• Location: HAIRATAN, AF