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School opening offers hope for children of Ghazaliya

Courtesy Photo | Children attending the opening of the Nahwaran School Nov. 25 in the Ghazaliya...... read more read more

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.03.2008

Courtesy Story

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs

By 2nd Lt. Cait Smith
2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad

BAGHDAD – The day was bright – as were the smiles on the faces of the families and children in attendance at the Nov. 25 opening of Nahwaran School in the Ghazaliya district of northwest Baghdad.

With more than 100 people in attendance, the event began with local Iraqi police, Iraqi army and teachers handing backpacks, notebooks and pencils to the school children.

The talk among the Ghazaliya citizens present was of the growth and changes that have taken place, allowing such a happy event to occur. This opinion was echoed by the Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers present.

"The ceremony went really well," said 1st Lt. Thomas Wilson, fire support officer, 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. "It was great to see the Iraqi police, Iraqi army and the Sons of Iraq come together for a great event that shows the movement forward in this community."

The troopers of 5-4 Cav. Regt. are responsible for security in the Ghazaliyah district. The unit's leaders attended the ceremony and observed the festivities.

Guest speakers at the event talked of the progress already completed in making Ghazaliya a safe place to live and of the potential of this newly thriving community.

They spoke of the improved security in the area and said that not very long ago, the building now housing Nahwaran School was a dilapidated shell and was not safe enough to house the school. But with the diligent efforts of Iraqi security forces, the area has become secure enough to develop.

This school, they added, is only one part, albeit a very significant part, of the beautification of the muhallah. The attendees were excited about the progress the school embodies.

"I was impressed by the facilities that the school now has, to include a computer room. It is a model for the standard of what schools should be in Ghazaliya," said Maj. Thomas Downey, civil affairs team chief, 5-4 Cav. Regt.

This occasion, as well as other school openings in recent weeks in the 'Longknife' operational environment, represents a return to normalcy in Baghdad. But more than that, they represent the foundation for Iraq's future. Schools like Nahwaran School strive to teach the Iraqi children the skills they need to help them develop themselves so that they can play a role in advancing their country economically and politically.