Photo By Sgt. Lynnwood Thomas | KFOR Solders from Regional Command-East play a round of volleyball with students...... read more read more
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CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo – If the future is a tapestry, the children of a community hold the needle and thread in their hands. U.S. Army Capt. Caitlin Williams and U.S. Army Sgt. Elizabeth White, both members of Task Force Medical, visited children at Skender Emerllahu School in Ramjan, Kosovo, to read children’s books aloud and answer questions about their Army experience October 15.
As part of recognition for International Day of the Girl, an international observance day declared by the United Nations, the school dedicated a week to gender equality. Williams and White were there to represent equality by introducing the children to the female Soldier perspective.
“I believe it’s important that we show our face in a positive manner in the outlying community so that they can get a positive image of the U.S. and the mission that we are trying to accomplish here,” White, a licensed practical nurse said. “The kids were amazing and hilarious. They loved the Soldiers, and they are the future of Kosovo.”
Two classes of third graders filled the room with laughter as Williams and White read about storybook characters Amelia Bedelia and Clifford the Big Red Dog, afterwards they spoke with the small scholars about each book.
“It was really fun,” Williams, a veterinarian said. “I hadn’t really gotten a chance to engage with the community by and large, besides the people who come on to base and work with us, and it gave me a better perspective of how much they love each other.”
A Liaison Monitoring Team orchestrated the school visit as one of their continuous initiatives to engage the people of Kosovo. LMTs are responsible for monitoring the people’s socioeconomic, political, government and security concerns.
After their time in the classroom, Williams, White and the LMT Soldiers joined the older kids outside for a game of volleyball. Williams said the overall welcoming nature of the children and the sense of community among all of the students and faculty at the school impressed her.
“I had this perception of cultures like this one where women don’t really go out and play co-ed sports, so it was fun getting to play with the male and female students,” she said. “Today was just really great.”
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| Date Taken: | 10.15.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 10.30.2019 05:29 |
| Story ID: | 349828 |
| Location: | CAMP BONDSTEEL, ZZ |
| Web Views: | 38 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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