Summer computer camp proved successful in Ghazaliyah

Courtesy Photo | Iraqi children listen to their teacher providing instruction as they prepare to begin their daily classes during a computer camp at the Dar Al Hekma School in the northwest Baghdad neighborhood of Ghazaliyah.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

08.26.2008

Courtesy Story

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

By Sgt. Matthew Vanderboegh
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division

BAGHDAD – Being somewhat unique in the area, the Dar Al Hekma Primary School has one thing that most other schools in the northwest Baghdad community of Ghazaliyah do not – computers.

In an initiative to keep children learning during the summer break, the school hosted a Computer Camp, July 6-Aug. 26, 2008.

A total of 76 students graduated from the computer course, which taught children basic computer skills, such as creating documents, using word processors and inserting photos into documents, said Haifa, the schools headmistress.

"This program gets the children focused on learning, and they have a great time doing it," said Capt. Thomas Melton, commander, Troop A, 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Multi-National Division – Baghdad. "Along with the program, they were given a meal during the day, which helps out the families a lot too."

When the Dar Al Hekma School reopened in May, it was the first of its kind in Ghazaliyah, said Melton. Since then, Haifa has done quite a lot of work here.

"To start back operating a school and to be able to jump to something like this is quite an accomplishment," Melton said.

In addition to the Computer Camp, the school has plans on expanding its extracurricular programs.

"In the future, we are planning on having a sewing and flower arranging class for the girls," said Haifa. "It will be held after class or on the weekends so it does not interfere with school work."

"We hope to keep this an annual event," said Capt. Joseph Sincere, 1st Sqdn., 75th Cav. Regt., adding that with twelve other schools being renovated in Ghazaliyah, "We hope to provide computer labs for each school to conduct summer computer camps across Ghazaliyah."

• Date Taken: 08.26.2008
• Date Posted: 09.10.2008 13:22
• Story ID: 23469
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ