HOMARO FAROQ VILLAGE, Afghanistan - This project was coordinated between the International Security Assistance Force, Regional Command North, Civilian Military Cooperation office and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in keeping with the mission to facilitate improvements in governance and socio-economic development.
The twentieth year of independence for Croatia was celebrated June 25, a day after European Union leaders said Croatia would more than likely join the bloc in 2013. These dates will go into the history books and the children of Homaro Faroq Village, Balkh province, Afghanistan will have a place to learn such history thanks to a contribution from the Croatia Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Tuesday June 28, future students, residents of Homaro Faroq, military and government officials came together to lay the cornerstone for the new Primary School of Azart Omer Faroq. The new school is scheduled to be completed in September and will replace a wind torn tent that provides little protection from the weather, only shade. Amazingly, students endure these conditions seeking their education.
“Approximately 250 students attend class in this worn out tent, girls attend in the morning session and boys attend in the afternoon,” said Capt. Ivan Lilijan, Civilian Military Cooperation officer for the International Security Assistance Force, Regional Command North, Civilian Military Cooperation Office. Lilijan was instrumental in getting signatures from all agencies involved in approving the construction project. “When the new school is completed there will be five classrooms and two offices. The attendance is expected to grow to 500 students.”
The school is one part of a planned complex the village is building which will include a playground, water well, and toilets, all surrounded by a wall to keep the students secure.
Mhyaleen, Head of Education in Balkh attended the ceremony and greeted Colonel Blaz Beretin, 17 HRVCON, Croatian contingent commander, representing the Croatia Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the ceremony.
Mhyaleen said, “This is one of the most important tasks here; this project will benefit future generations. It will help our children.”
With officials and dignitaries assembled in front of flags from Afghanistan, Croatia and NATO, Village Malik Yohammad Azam recited from the Koran and the construction officially started as Beretin laid the first stone in the wet concrete. Education Advisor for Governor Atta Mohammed Noor, Zelmi Yonosi, laid the next stone followed by Mhyaleen. The school Headmaster and Principal, Mohamad Isaq placed the last of eight stones symbolizing a firm foundation of cooperation.
“Thank you for this humanitarian effort,” said Mhyaleen. “We hope this war will soon be over and good relations will continue. It is our wish you will take off your military uniform and work with us to develop our country to be strong in agriculture and industry like yours. Afghans like to study, and you have given our children a place to do so.”
Notebooks, backpacks, pens and paper for the children were provided by the non-governmental organization, Hand to Hand Afghanistan. RC-North Crotian Senior Military Representative and Civilian Military Cooperation Office Chief, Col Ivan Jusic, joined other visiting officials distributing the supplies to the children. “I’ve never seen so many smiles of appreciation,” he said. “The children are excited for their new school and I am proud Croatia has been able to contribute such a meaningful project for the future generations of Homaro Faroq.”
“We appreciate the fact you do civic projects here in addition to your military job. Cooperation is a happy process,” said Executive Assistant of Nahari Shahi District Governor Abdul Ghafoor. “It is important to build our country; our children will have a place to study.”
The cost of the school construction, estimated at $127,000, is totally funded by the Croatia Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is their largest project in Afghanistan to date. The school is designed to European specifications by Birotehna Construction Company, Croatia, and will be constructed by Bena-i-Balkh Construction & Road Construction Company, Mazar-e-Sharif. Both construction companies had representatives at the ceremony.
“I have an office in Kabul,” said Strbac Mladen, project engineer for Birotehna Construction Company. “I will stay until the project is complete, checking the progress at least once a week.”
Each village in the area surrounding Camp Marmal, has a village sergeant from the Croatian Armored Guards Brigade, 2nd Battalion or the German Force Protection Group. The village sergeant works in cooperation with the village to ensure a safe and secure environment for its citizens.
“I like working with the people here, there are no problems. The village is growing and needed a school,” said Homaro Faroq Village sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Davor Fucec. “The new school will bring new people.”
While not all the children attending today’s ceremony may enjoy history class, thanks to the Croatia Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they will have a place to find out.
| Date Taken: | 06.28.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 07.01.2011 11:42 |
| Story ID: | 73098 |
| Location: | MAZAR-E-SHARIF, AF |
| Web Views: | 251 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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