Class in session despite school's bombing

LWARA, AFGHANISTAN

08.03.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

Courtesy of the Afghanistan National Army Embedded Training Team

LWARA, Afghanistan – For the first time since their school was destroyed by a bomb in June, children living near Forward Operating Base Tillman attended school July 2.

Planning for a temporary school began a week prior to ensure the students had the supplies necessary and the facilities were available.

"It was decided a week prior that we would put up a tent as a temporary school for the children until their school was repaired," said Army Capt. David J. McDill, Afghanistan National Army Embedded Training Team company commander, mentor. "Instead of building one, it was suggested we use the tent already up on the (Afghan national army) side of the FOB. I got to work deciding what we needed. Benches, dry erase board, markers, book bags, notebooks, pens, soccer balls and a sign to tell the community 'school is open again.'"

ANA and various FOB contractors and personnel helped with the project.

"(The contractors) were thrilled to take on a project like this," he said. "The carpenter began building benches for the kids immediately. He built four total. ANA Capt. Gul Rahman, ANA 1st Sgt. Izlamudin and my interpreter, Najeeb, were busy painting the sign for the front of the school.

"The ANA soldiers take great pride in helping build their country in anyway they can," he continued. "Make no mistake, they are also great warriors, ready to sacrifice their lives for their country, if need be."

Photos of the school's re-opening were taken commemorating the event and the ANA soldiers handed out book bags with pens and notebooks. More than 50 students, ages 6 to 15, attended the first day of school in the one-room schoolhouse.

"As an embedded trainer, I know full well that when the Afghanistan national army can stand on its own, the coalition forces can begin to pull back forces. In order for this country to be self-sustaining, it must have a stable government (well under way), a stable security force (ANA, Afghan national army and Afghan national border police, all well under way), a stable economy (needed) and education (Bingo)."

• Date Taken: 08.03.2007
• Date Posted: 08.06.2007 09:18
• Story ID: 11644
• Location: LWARA, AF