ANP, Polish forces solidify relationships with Afghan children

GHAZNI PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

05.31.2011

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force 1 - Afghanistan

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Polish soldiers from Task Force White Eagle’s 2nd and 6th Police Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team and their Afghan National Police counterparts visited Shakra-e-Kohn and Sanayee Schools in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, May 22.

Soldiers from POMLT advise Afghan police on their daily operations and frequently accompany ANP officers during patrols and on checkpoints.

According to TF White Eagle, a main goal of the POMLT is to help the ANP operate autonomously and to gain trust of the people within their province. The policemen visited the schools to establish personal relationships with the people.

“I am convinced that thanks to being here among the pupils, credibility and confidence in relation to the officers of the ANP will grow day by day,” said Polish Army Maj. Szymon Zadrożny, 2nd POMLT commander, from FOB Vulcan.

Soldiers and police officers met with the principals of both schools and teachers to discuss the school’s needs and opportunities for coalition support.

Agnieszka Hejduk, education advisor to the TF White Eagle District Development Team, attended the meeting.

“The most common problems of schools are the lack of sufficient equipment in classes and the lack of sustainable access to water,” said Hejduk.

Hejduk also drew attention to the small number of adequately trained and educated teachers.

“The challenges facing the school are a present trend ... in most of the Afghan educational institutions,” she said.

During visits to Shakra-e-Kohn Secondary School and Sanayee High School, Polish and Afghan patrols gave the students basic school supplies and radios.

“It's a great feeling when we see how much joy the children gain from the little things the ANP gave them in the school,” said Polish Army Sgt. Mateusz Siewert, 6th POMLT from FOB Vulcan.

“We are very grateful for your help to students Shakra-e-Kohn Secondary School. Through such joint efforts, our service will be easier, and the favor of people to the officers of the ANP will continue to grow," said ANP Lt. Mohammad Hashim Nasrat, commander of the Ghazni’s ANP Station No. 1.

• Date Taken: 05.31.2011
• Date Posted: 05.30.2011 17:51
• Story ID: 71326
• Location: GHAZNI PROVINCE, AF