Modern School Provides Opportunities for Kurdish Children

Multi-National Force - Iraq ^ | Heidi Davis

[SandRat]

To improve the learning environment and overall welfare of about 35 elementary school students in Kani Mayor Village, Kurdish Regional Government leaders and U.S. forces opened the doors to a new schoolhouse complete with instructor-living quarters, Feb. 12. Photo by Seaman Zachary Hernandez, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Arabian Peninsula.

KURDISTAN — Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) leaders and Coalition forces inaugurated the first, permanent educational facility here in the mountainous region of Kani Mayor Village, Feb. 12.

The new school supports the growing educational needs and serves as a platform for the future economic stability of this village and the surrounding communities of Panjwin.

“When decent schools are not available for their children, parents have traditionally packed up and moved from their villages to the city,” said one tribal leader.  “After awhile, due to the exodus of people, the village’s economy begins to suffer.”

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 people here.

“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, Coalition 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.

(By Heidi Davis, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Arabian Peninsula)

[SandRat]

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