Posted on 12/30/2008 3:27:38 PM PST by SandRat
CAMP TAJI — A ribbon-cutting ceremony signaled the completion of refurbishments on the Al Gil Al Jadeed Primary School in Mushada, northwest of Baghdad, Dec. 29.
Approximately $90,000 in Iraqi Commander’s Emergency Response Program funds were spent to improve the existing structure, repair electrical work and ensure students have a good place to go to school, said 1st Lt. Jesse Ozbat, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
Normally, the school houses approximately 600 students, but there are currently double that amount attending. Students are crammed into classrooms, and overwhelmed teachers do their best to handle the student load.
There were two more schools in the area, but both were destroyed by terrorists years ago. The Al Gil Al Jadeed Primary School was spared from the brunt of the violence and only needed minor repairs compared to the other structures.
“Until the other two schools in the area are rebuilt and fixed, children will have to go to this one school,” Ozbat said.
The other two schools are currently in differing stages of repair, said Ali Janabi, Mushada City Council member.
Janabi said he and the other city council members take pride in this school because “reading and writing are the foundations of a strong future. This school is the beginnings of strong foundations for many students.”
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.