Photo By Pfc. Christopher McKenna | Students pack one of the classrooms currently provided at the Saedi school Apr. 20. ...... read more read more
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By Pvt. Christopher McKenna
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq – The Saedi school in the Mahmudiyah Qada officially received the funding to add a new wing with six classrooms and a pump to produce fresh water on the school grounds during a small ceremony Apr. 20.
"Education is once again becoming a top priority in Iraq and sectarian violence in Mahmudiyah is on a rapid decline," said Sheikh Sammi Obead Alwan, director of education for the Saedi school.
An increased Iraqi army presence west of Mahmudiyah and expansion of the Sons of Iraq program has improved security and led to increased school attendance.
The school previously received renovations which included plumbing, electrical wiring, painting and new desks for the classrooms.
"The school addition is designed to ease the strain on the school's physical and administrative infrastructure and allow educational advancements to match the pace of the recent security gains," said Capt. David Howald, Commanders Emergency Response Program project manager for 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
"Over the past months, great progress has been made in the area," Alwan said. "People seeking an education are no longer afraid and no longer feel threatened."
Alwan said he has noticed dramatic improvements throughout the area in security, education and freedom of movement.
"Yesterday, I went to the Mahmudiyah market for the first time in two years and I became very emotional," Alwan said. "I was crying at first when I went in, because I love my country and so much has changed for the better; education is at the top once again."
The renovations are expected to be complete within 90 days.
| Date Taken: | 04.20.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 04.21.2008 17:22 |
| Story ID: | 18634 |
| Location: | MAHMUDIYAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 290 |
| Downloads: | 272 |
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