Iraqi leaders support their community

Photo By Bethany Huff | Brigadier Gen. Haed Abbas, Iraqi police Mahawhil Station chief, shakes hands with students while passing out donated school supplies during the dedication ceremony of Al Taif Primary School here March 19. Donated supplies included book bags, crayons, pens and paper.  

TUNIS, IRAQ

03.24.2009

Story by Pfc. Bethany Huff 

Multi-National Division-Central

TUNIS, Iraq – Several Iraqi government officials participated in dedication ceremonies celebrating the expansion of Al Taif Primary School and renovation of the Tunis Tech Water Treatment Facility here March 19.

Shuail Al Reda Hamid, a Hilla Provincial Council member, Brigadier Gen. Hamed Abbas, chief of the Mahawil Iraqi police station and Maj. Ahmed Kadhum, chief of the Tunis IP station, helped to organize and distribute donated school supplies for the children of the newly renovated and expanded school following the dedication ceremony.

"We're very thankful that the government of Iraq provided the funding for the renovations for our school," said Abbas Khdair Abbas, the Al Taif Primary School headmaster. "Projects like this help the community, and we hope the government will continue building the foundation of Iraq."

Hamid said she is also grateful to the Iraqi government for their support. "Having the government involved with projects like this helps to improve the morale of the students and the community."

With smiles on their faces, students stood in line to accept the new supplies and shake hands with Hamid and other government leaders.

"I'm very happy because we have new book bags and new school supplies," said Haeh Muthana, an Al Taif Primary School first-grader.

When the ceremony was over, the government leaders and guests visited the water treatment facility for another dedication ceremony.

Hamid cut the ribbon at the entrance of the water plant treatment facility, signifying its reopening following the renovations.

"There has been a lot of work done here," said Hamid. "It is very impressive to see what has been done to the facility."

Renovations throughout the facility included new pipes, valves and pumps. The renovations help the plant to provide Iraqis with clean drinking water, which can help protect them from contracting diseases such as Cholera. Cholera can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting and leg cramps. If the condition is not treated, death can occur from dehydration.

"I'm glad to have been a part of today's events because I am a citizen of Iraq, and I represent the people of Iraq," said Hamid.

• Date Taken: 03.24.2009
• Date Posted: 03.24.2009 04:28
• Story ID: 31521
• Location: TUNIS, IQ