1st BSTB Helping Provide a Future

HEYRATAN, AFGHANISTAN

06.19.2010

Story by 2nd Lt. Pao Fisher 

1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division

Story by: 2nd Lt. Pao Mei Fisher

HEYRATAN, Afghanistan - The sound of children laughing and singing filled the air around Nasir Girl’s School in Heyratan, Afghanistan recently, as Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division’s 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion paid it a visit to assess its educational and medical needs.

The School is currently in the process of receiving funds for several improvements as well as extra supplies like tables, chairs and fans. This will allow the children to learn in a more comfortable environment.

“If the students are educated, then they will be less likely to start wars and fight over unnecessary matters,” said Nasina Atheerl, principal of the school.

Nasina Ataheer, who has worked at the school for nine years, expressed her primary concerns for the school. She explained that it requires a deeper well and a new pump because many students are getting sick from contaminated water. She also said a meeting hall with tables and chairs would give the student’s a place to congregate. Currently many are required to share chairs or stand during classes.

During their visit to the school, female Soldiers of the 1st BSTB delivered a variety of school supplies including notebooks, pens, crayons and hydration packets. In addition to the school supplies, the Soldiers brought stuffed animals for the children.

“I am amazed at the appreciation the children had for the items we gave them,” said Sgt. Renee Hatfield, from Alpha Company, 1st BSTB who assisted some teachers with the smaller children. “Things as simple as a crayon made their faces light up with joy, and I wish we could have given them much more. I was greatly inspired by the children and have now decided to peruse my goal of enrolling in ‘Troops to Teachers.’”

Sgt. Milda Hawkins, a medical specialist with the company was able to treat a child that had passed out due to dehydration during the visit.

“While I was treating the young girl, I could not get her to drink the electrolyte mix,” Hawkins said. “I found that after I showed her it was ok to drink, by drinking it myself, she began to drink. Before I knew it, she drank the whole pack. I held her in my arms and felt as if she was my own child.”

While visiting with the head teacher, 2nd Lt. Pao Fisher, the 1st BSTB’s Military Police platoon leader, explained that the items brought were not a permanent fix to the school’s problems, but a gift to let them know that their needs are important to the International Security Assistance Force.

“It made me think how many things we take for granted in life,” said Spc. Lacey Arnold, a military police officer from the MP platoon. “I was so glad to have taken part in such a rewarding experience.”

The Nasir Girl’s School has approximately 1780 students and a unique history. It began 35 years ago in a Mosque, and at the time, taught girls during the morning session and boys in the afternoon. Nearly 18 years later, the student body split and it was moved to its current location in Heyratan.

• Date Taken: 06.19.2010
• Date Posted: 06.19.2010 08:11
• Story ID: 51651
• Location: HEYRATAN, AF