News From Afghanistan
PRT TAKES AFGHAN EDUCATION TO A NEW LEVEL
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FENTY, Afghanistan—Soldiers of the Jalalabad Provincial Reconstruction Team traveled to the rural village of Dar Bhabba in the Nangahar District May 15 for a ground-breaking ceremony, which celebrated the construction of a new girl’s school.
In many Afghan villages, classrooms are feeble shelters covered in palm fronds or tattered tents with woven mats for floors.
As the country begins to move toward a more positive future, its dependence upon the vigilance of its youth is strong.
“These kids just break your heart,” said Army Capt. Paul Noce, PRT team leader. “There is a lot we hope to do to help them.”
A non-governmental organization is currently building a school for boys in the village. Area children are currently attending school in makeshift tents. Some students are currently being taught in the shelter of a crumbling mud wall.
The village of Dar Bhabba is but one of many areas the PRT travels to and works with to spur education advances in Afghanistan.
The new buildings will provide shelter and a more professional environment for the children to work in.
“It’s good to come out and work closely with the locals,” said Noce. “We build trust with the kids and firm working relationships with the elders. It really contributes to the mission if you put a lot into the relationships. Handshakes and smiles go much farther than a weapon in our line of work.”
The eyes of Dar Bhabba’s school girls are bright with the curiosity of youth and their aspirations are grand.
“I want to be a doctor,” one breathless female Afghan student said.
When asked why, she states with conviction, “To help Afghanistan and my people.”
Each girl has similar dreams. “I want to be an engineer,” said another girl. “I want to help all the countries come together and rebuild Afghanistan.”
The new school will provide a positive learning environment where these students can begin to realize their dreams.
“Education is everything,” said Tadrish, a citizen of Dar Bhabba, who is also the father of two girls attending the new school. “Without education we can do nothing. I am happy to know my children will receive a high-level education. We need educated people if we are to rebuild this country; we need them to be educated in everything. We need teachers, engineers and doctors. I encourage my daughters to be whatever they will, as long as they are educated.”
Groundbreaking on the new school was a jubilant occasion. A group of boys and girls each sang a prayer to bless the occasion. Noce and village leaders brandished shovels and symbolically broke ground for the new school as citizens stretched an Afghan and American flag against a mountainous backdrop to symbolize the unity of the occasion.
PRT members also provided humanitarian assistance supplies to citizens and school children of Dar Bhabba such as rice, flour and school supplies for the children.
“We were happy to be able to bring the news of the school project,” said Noce. “In addition to the event, we like to make it standard to bring some much needed supplies as well.”
The Jalalabad PRT travels to rural areas of Kunar and Nangahar province on a regular basis. Another team works directly in Jalalabad, to address humanitarian issues in the city. Each has various ongoing projects. The work of the PRT units is essential in the fight to regain Afghanistan’s strength and independence.
“We love to help,” said Noce. “It’s what we do.”
