Imagine going to school in 110 degree heat, where the school has no air conditioning, no doors even. Lots of people in the Third World suffer to obtain an education. American students, take note.

Can you imagine going to school without air conditioning in the heat of the summer, or without doors for classrooms to prevent distractions? Many students in Iraq face this each day during the school year. With the help of Coalition Forces, town councils and contracting companies in Iraq, this problem is being addressed in Umm Qasr.

Both Iraqis and Coalition forces believed the Abi Ferras Primary School was in grave need of improvements. After careful planning, resourcing, and installation of new equipment, the school is again ready for students to attend in early September. A dedication ceremony was held at the school June 28.

“Prior to the restoration, windows were missing, paint was peeling from the cracked walls, and the desks were severely damaged. Plumbing and electricity were inoperable, there were no chalkboards; and the classroom doors were in pieces,” said Sgt. Adam L. Kirschner, Task Force Bucca Civil Affairs Office.

The Umm Qasr Town Council made a decision to emphasize improving the lives of the children of the community by ensuring a quality learning environment. The town council requested assistance with the refurbishment of the school through the United Kingdom’s Civil and Military Cooperation team from Northport, Umm Qasr. The CIMIC team developed the scope of work in conjunction with the town council, Abdul Karim, headmaster of the Abi Ferras Primary School, and Al Subai Contracting Company.

Approximately 450 students ranging in ages from 6-12 are expected to attend the school outfitted with new desks and chalkboards in September. Students will also be able to enjoy playground equipment, a first for the school.

The civil affairs office stated the contractor went above and beyond the original plan by adding things he believed were necessary, but were not in the contract.

“We’re very happy about the friendship we have with the Americans,” said Majid Talib Muzam, mayor of Umm Qasr. “The most important thing is education and we have that now.”

Thanks to this strategic partnership, the children of Umm Qasr have the chance for a better education.

“As with any project, it’s great to see the Iraqi people taking charge and putting personal effort into the repair and development of their own infrastructure and community,” said Kirschner. “For me, the best part of our Coalition efforts is being able to work with local people and government to help rebuild Iraq while developing lifelong friendships.”

Camp Bucca is located approximately 30 miles southeast of Basrah, Iraq.

MNF-I
By Spc. Amie J. McMillan, 42nd Military Police Brigade

DoD
By Norris Jones, Special to American Forces Press Service

Using his skills as a Navy Seabee, Navy Cmdr. Steven Frost successfully managed construction projects in some of Baghdad’s most turbulent neighborhoods. Now he is concluding a yearlong deployment as deputy commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Central District.

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