Two Iraqi school buildings refurbished, dedicated

Photo By Staff Sgt. Aaron Thacker | U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kevin Vereen points out the desks that were built by detainees at the Camp Bucca detention center during his visit to the Al Marfaa primary school in Umm Qasr, Iraq, Feb. 19. This was one of two primary schools that were recently refurbished with coalition assistance near this town.  

UMM QASR, IRAQ

02.19.2009

Story by Staff Sgt. Aaron Thacker 

Multi-National Division-South East Public Affairs

UMM QASR, Iraq - Nearly 1,350 students walked into two newly refurbished primary school buildings in Umm Qasr where, school, city and coalition officials dedicated the projects' completion, Feb. 19.

The two U.S. funded operations, totaling $271,100, outfitted the Al Nashaa and Al Marfaa schools with new paint, windows, electrical systems, plumbing, reconditioned bathrooms, roofs and desks.

Umm Qasr Mayor Salah Abdul Mahdy Habeeb, Director of Education Salem Kamel Arrayed, Director of Power and Utilities Ahmed Resan Sharhan, town council members, members of the Iraqi marines, coalition civil affairs representatives and school staff and students were on hand for the occasion.

"Today we open this school to be the future light for the students," said Abu Ali, headmaster of Al Marfaa. "The first three words of the Koran means to 'read.' The scripture says it wants everyone to be educated. Education is the duty of every Muslim person."

Many schools in Iraq are in poor condition because of a lack of upkeep, to include Umm Qasr. The schools here suffered from leaky roofs, broken windows and desks that were splintered and falling apart and other structural problems.

"Our main reason for these restorations was to provide the children with a safe learning environment," said Sgt. Adam Kirschner, the project manager from 42nd Military Police Brigade at Camp Bucca.

He said these projects started when community members brought the issue of reconstruction to the town's council. The city officials worked with coalition civil affairs teams to create a proposal and form a contract.

Kirschner said that projects like these are important to the future of Umm Qasr because the town is growing rapidly due to the economic development generated by the country's only deep-water port in town.

"Last time we met, this school was in bad condition. This time we are meeting because the school is like new," Habeeb said. "We were successful because of the cooperation between, the town's people, the council and the coalition forces."

So far seven schools in the area have been refurbished in the last 12 months with help from Kirschner's unit. He said that Umm Qasr Secondary School is next on the list and should start in about two weeks.

• Date Taken: 02.19.2009
• Date Posted: 02.23.2009 05:31
• Story ID: 30308
• Location: UMM QASR, IQ