Afghan Students Receive Donated Supplies (Disabled Children -- Tissues Needed)

Defend America News ^ | Dec 14, 2005 | Sgt. Phillip Chang

[SandRat]

Afghan Students Receive Donated Supplies
Afghan Army soldiers distribute donated school supplies to nearly 250 students of the Professional and Learning Foundation School for the Disabled and Girls.
By U.S. Army Sgt. Phillip Chang 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 14, 2005 — A pack of pink drawing paper, a set of multi-colored pencils and a backpack was all it took to put a smile on one student's face in Afghanistan. "While the Taliban was in power, girls were not allowed to go to school. The school was founded to help the disabled and girls get their education. These gifts will help the students in their progress." Suraya Omeri, School Director The student, Shkiba, was one of almost 250 in the Professional and Learning Foundation School for the Disabled and Girls, to receive school supplies and shirts with the colors of the Afghan flag. Afghan National Army soldiers distributed school supplies to students of the school here in Kabul, Afghanistan, Dec. 8. The school was chosen in recognition for the International Day of the Disabled, which was observed Dec. 3. The soldiers are part of the Directorate of Cultural and Religious Affairs, and the supplies were donated from Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan and the United States Agency for International Development with participation from the International Security Assistance Force. Sayed Mohmmad Hadi Hadi, Deputy Minister of Martyrs and Disabled, also handed out supplies to the students. During his speech, Hadi said, "I am thankful for the cooperation and coordination from [International Security Assistance Force] and [Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan]. I am also thankful for the donations for the students and disabled." Suraya Omeri, director of the school, also expressed appreciation for the donations. "While the Taliban was in power, girls were not allowed to go to school. The school was founded to help the disabled and girls get their education," said Omeri. "These gifts will help the students in their progress." Students shared their thoughts with the deputy minister and director as they shook hands and acknowledged their thanks for the gifts.	Suraya Omeri, director of the Professional and Learning Foundation School for the Disabled and Girls in Kabul, Afghanistan, presents a new backpack to one of her students, Dec. 8, 2005. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Phillip Chang Muxgan Ahmadi, one of the students attending the event, said, "We are thankful for the gifts of book bags and school supplies; these will help us learn." Romanian Lt. Col. Mircea A. Romocia and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Robert Roseman, members of the Ministry Engagement Team for Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan, coordinated the event. "This is an example of the Afghan government working together to support the Afghan people," said Roseman after the event. "We just came by to help the ministry with its steps in providing for the next generation," said Romocia. At the end of the ceremony, Shkiba handed one of the soldiers a sketch of a boy crying. "I wanted to show how it was here before we were free," said Shkiba, as she admired her sketch before presenting it. "This is also to show how happy I am now."

[SandRat]

[knittnmom]

Beautiful! It would be great to see more of these stories in the mainstream.

[Calpernia]

Afghan Students Receive Donated Supplies
Afghan Army soldiers distribute donated school supplies to nearly 250 students of the Professional and Learning Foundation School for the Disabled and Girls.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[E.G.C.]

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