Parwan province high school gets 'face-lift'

Courtesy Photo | Parwan province Deputy Gov. Abdul Basir Salangi, speaks during the opening ceremony of Jabalussaraj High School May 24.  

PARWAN PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

05.24.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

By Senior Airman Dilia DeGrego
CJTF-82 Public Affairs Office

PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan — More than 300 people gathered at Jabalussaraj High School, May 24, for the opening of the newly renovated portion of the school.

A section of the eight-room school house was closed after a winter storm caused the roof to collapse.

Contractors began working on the $45,000 project in January, finishing it ahead of schedule May 14. Aside from being renovated, new windows, desks, chairs and black boards were installed in each classroom. Additionally, a new walkway to the front door of the building was paved.

During the ceremony, Parwan province Deputy Gov. Abdul Basir Salangi, members of the educational department and Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team spoke to the group about the significance of the project to the development of the province and Afghanistan.

"The reopening of this school is another door for the shining future of Parwan and Afghanistan," said Air Force Lt. Col. Bobby Robinson, Bagram PRT commander. "As you know, education and knowledge are the main keys for success of the people."

Salangi agreed, "The children are the future of this country. It is important the students know the importance of studying hard and receiving a good education.

"When I was a young boy in fourth grade, my teacher told me I was the future of Afghanistan — I laughed. Look at me know, I'm part of the government. My teacher was right," he added with a smile. "One of them may be in my place one day. A good education is vital."

Students and school officials were very appreciative of the work that was done to make the renovation possible. This project completion provides a controlled environment for instruction in an area with 4,000 to 5,000 families, easing the over-crowding of 1,800 students who attend the school.

"We are very glad to have the school open again," said a student. "We were having class outside because there are so many students. Thank you to the PRT and everyone who help make this project complete."

The Jabalussaraj school was first opened as an elementary school more than 70 years ago and consisted of only four classrooms. To date, there have been 47 graduating classes in its history. In the near future, Parwan province educational officials plan to work with province leadership and the Bagram PRT on additional projects such as this.

• Date Taken: 05.24.2007
• Date Posted: 05.29.2007 09:08
• Story ID: 10524
• Location: PARWAN PROVINCE, AF