Photo By Seaman Zachary Hernandez | To improve the learning environment and overall welfare of approximately 35 elementary...... read more read more
KURDISTAN, Iraq – Kurdish regional government leaders and coalition forces inaugurated the first, permanent educational facility Feb. 12 in the mountainous region of Kani Mayor Village, Iraq.
The new school supports growing educational needs and serves as a platform for the future economic stability of the Kani Mayor Village and surrounding communities of Panjwin, Iraq.
"When decent schools are not available for their children, parents have traditionally packed up and moved from their villages to the city. After awhile, due to the exodus of people, the village's economy begins to suffer," said the tribal leader.
The new schoolhouse is not only a solid example of KRG's efforts to sustain northern Iraqi villages, but also illustrates the successful working relationship between KRG and coalition forces to educate future generations of Iraqi people.
"By putting brick on brick, it is proof you are not only protecting our people from terrorists, but also caring for our children's educational future," said the regional education director. "Thank you for giving the children a place to study and have a future."
The modern schoolhouse is fully equipped with five roomy classrooms, two bathrooms, new desks, textbooks and overhead lighting. Additionally, in an effort to attract and retain the most qualified educators, a separate building was constructed to serve as living quarters for the instructors.
Village children expressed sincere appreciation for the new facility to KRG leaders and were ecstatic to leave behind their temporary schoolhouse, which was a loaned-out chicken coop from one of the local farmers.
"It's nice to finally be rid of that old school and not have to share [my new school] with chickens," said a 13-year-old girl, who is excited to get back to school and continue her Arabic lessons.
Projects like this one truly create short-term benefits and long-term potential consistent with the intended goals of the Iraqi and coalition forces partnership. KRG officials, CF and tribal leaders have already entered into discussions regarding future plans to sustain and improve the schools capabilities. Improvements currently under discussion include hiring additional instructors, digging a well for the schoolhouse to have running water and expanding the instructor-living quarters.
| Date Taken: | 02.22.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 02.22.2009 01:44 |
| Story ID: | 30281 |
| Location: | KURDISTAN, IQ |
| Web Views: | 297 |
| Downloads: | 286 |
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