CTF 53 and NAVCENT Sailors Help Teach English to Local Students

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Carolyn Cerminara | Lt. Ryan Wodele, a cargo officer from commander, Task Force 53, helps teach English to a local student as part of a community relations project sponsored by the Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation and the U.S. Embassy.  

MANAMA, BAHRAIN

07.23.2009

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Joel Miller 

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

MANAMA, Bahrain - Twelve Sailors assigned to Task Force 53 and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command volunteered yesterday to help teach English to disabled teenagers and their families as part of a recurring community relations project sponsored by the Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation.

Every Monday and Wednesday, CTF 53 Sailors teach English to local Bahrainis to help prepare students for U.S. Department of State exchange programs in the United States.

"Sailors come here to teach English and provide an important tool to communicate in the world," said Mr. Jassim Mohammed Seyadi, chairman, Bahrain Association for Parents & Friends of Disableds. "This will certainly help improve the lives of everyone involved."

During the COMREL, sailors spent time working with students on vocabulary, reading and writing with a mix of activities and games.

"It's great to see the kids' interest in the United States and in learning English," said Lt. Ryan Wodele, an officer assigned to CTF 53 who volunteers for the COMREL project. "They seem to enjoy learning new vocabulary and associating words in English with things they have heard about the U.S."

The students are improving their English speaking skills before participating in a bilateral exchange program scheduled for 2010 between Bahrain and a school in Eugene, Oregon.

"Today the kids have so much confidence, they will stand up on stage and speak English," said Mr. Essam Kamal, BDSF Managing Director and organizer of the exchange program. "A few months ago they were too shy and unsure."

CTF 53's involvement with the BDSF and the youth exchange participants is one of five COMREL projects NAVCENT sponsors in Bahrain.

"Over the past year, we have increased from five to 13 commands actively participating in COMREL efforts with CTF 53 leading the pack," said Lt. Ron Nordan, who manages COMREL projects for NAVCENT. "This gives the U.S. Navy opportunities to significantly contribute to the communities in which we live."

The BDSF organizes participation in regional and international disabled athletic competitions and offers a variety of sports for the disabled including athletics, swimming, table tennis, wheelchair basketball, bowling, power lifting, and football.

"Seeing these people volunteer their time is a really positive thing for our participants," said Wasna'a Al Aradi, BDSF's Head of Disability Youth Challengers Youth Committee. "It helps us look forward, even more, to the next exchange in Oregon."

CTF 53 provides operational logistical support for the entire U.S. 5th Fleet and coalition forces both ashore and afloat. They coordinate replenishment-at-sea efforts and deliver passengers, mail, cargo, ammunition, provisions and fuel throughout the 5th Fleet area of operations via air, land and sea modes, helping to ensure Sailors aboard ships have what they need to complete their mission.

• Date Taken: 07.23.2009
• Date Posted: 07.23.2009 10:13
• Story ID: 36709
• Location: MANAMA, BH