Photo By Staff Sgt. James Hunter | Capt. Daniel Hickey poses for a quick picture with Iraqi school boys during the...... read more read more
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By Staff Sgt. James Hunter
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division
BAGHDAD – It couldn't have been more than a year ago when al-Qaida in Iraq controlled the northwestern Baghdad neighborhood of Kahdra. The area seemed to be under constant enemy fire, with the threat of a suicide bomber or improvised-explosive device waiting around the next corner.
The threats were there. The enemy was evidently looking to create as much havoc as possible, and those who were taking the biggest loss were the innocent Iraqi people. The infrastructure was damaged, the streets were cluttered with trash, and people stayed locked within their homes because of their fear of the unknown.
However, many things have changed within northwest Baghdad, especially the neighborhood of Kahdra, where the streets seem to be much cleaner and filled with many Iraqi people moving about from shop to shop. The people seem happier – and no more do they remain undisclosed.
"Kahdra is honestly really safe right now. Kahdra a year ago was probably one of the worst neighborhoods in [northwest] Baghdad," said Capt. Daniel Hickey, commander, Troop A, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, operationally attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
With the security situation stable, it opened the door for opportunities not afforded to the area and its people in quite some time. Though many would like to see the electricity problems or sewage problems dealt with, Hickey said taking care of the schools within his area of operations was his main objective.
The Ibon Khaldon elementary school, which educates nearly 500 students, reopened its doors during a ceremony in Kahdra, Oct. 20, 2008.
The school, which was initially assessed in April 2008, was in bad shape prior to the refurbishment process.
The electricity was shot, many of the windows were damaged, the floors and tiles were coming loose and, worst of all, the plumbing within the bathrooms was backing up, which could have led to some serious health issues as the toilets began overflowing and spilling onto floors.
Through a lot of hard work, the school opened its doors to a wave of screaming, smiling children, who have always been eager to learn because even when times were hard, these children still found their way to the classroom.
Though the education system in Iraq needs further development, said Hickey, having a place for these children to learn and educate themselves is key – especially with a country continually growing and rebuilding daily.
Amera Abed Alli, the school's principal, was extremely happy during the day's events as she witnessed her school reopen its doors to the many children and teachers who have fought through so much to keep the spirit of education alive and well within Kahdra.
Alli said there is still much to be done within her school and the surrounding neighborhood, but having survived the worse of times and still come out on top is all that matters as long as her teachers have a place to teach the future engineers, politicians and soldiers of this country.
| Date Taken: | 10.22.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 10.22.2008 11:55 |
| Story ID: | 25384 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 170 |
| Downloads: | 155 |
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