MND-B Soldiers enhance learning opportunities for Iraqi children

Courtesy Photo | Children play outside the Al Qanadel School in Yousefiyah, which is one of the schools in the area being renovated.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

03.30.2006

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

2nd Lt. Brett Matzenbacher
2nd BCT, 101st Abn. Div.

BAGHDAD - Throughout the south Baghdad area, the Iraqi government, Iraqi army and Coalition Forces are working diligently to restore essential services for local residents.

Basic services, which are perhaps taken for granted in many parts of the world, such as running, potable water and electricity, have been scarce or completely nonexistent in the region for many months.

Issues such as these have indirectly led to major shortcomings in other vital areas. In particular, "education of Iraqi children has suffered as a result of these difficulties," said Maj. Paul Schmidt, civil military operations officer, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.

Through the diligence and hard work of the local leaders, several school reconstruction projects are now underway, in addition to various projects on basic services, such as water and electricity. The Nahia, or county, of Yousefiyah is home to several of these reconstruction efforts.

"We currently have 12 school renovation projects that are either planned or already underway in Yousefiyah," said Maj. Eric McFadden, project manager, 2nd BCT, 101st Abn. Div.

Various projects to restore the local electrical and water networks are also ongoing.

"We tried to plan this out so that when we actually went in to do these school renovations, they would have the infrastructure and support they needed in order to be viable schools," McFadden said.

Through the efforts of the Ministry of Electricity, the city of Yousefiyah has nearly continuous power - something the residents could only dream about a few short months ago.

"The Ministry of Electricity in Yousefiyah has done an outstanding job of stepping up and delivering," said Schmidt.

He said the water situation has improved dramatically as well.

"The water treatment plant here is not operating at 100 percent yet, but the people in this region are receiving potable water much more frequently," McFadden said. "These are the precursors to an environment where we can begin to expand our horizons. Now that we have met basic needs, we can jump to the next level and influence people's lives in other ways."

When the brigade Soldiers initially took responsibility for the area, security was the main issue and reconstruction was nearly impossible.

"The Iraqi army, backed by our guys, have done an incredible job and have made it possible for us to do our work," Schmidt said. "We've really come a long way in just six months."

The improved security has provided an opportunity for the reconstruction efforts in this region.

"These school renovation projects are a crucial element to the reconstruction of Iraq," McFadden said. "The children being educated in these schools today will be our future partners in rebuilding this country - we neglect them at our own peril."

• Date Taken: 03.30.2006
• Date Posted: 03.30.2006 12:48
• Story ID: 5912
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ