HAIDARI, Iraq – A small village celebrated the official opening of the newly renovated Al Medina-Al Munawera School in Al Haidari during a ribbon cutting ceremony here recently.
The ceremony was attended by Dr. Dammadi Radi, Directorate General of Education in Babil Province, local village sheiks, the Babil Provincial Reconstruction Team and a crowd of supporters to celebrate the opening of the school.
The project to renovate the school began with the Company B, 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion in 2008, then the 1411th Civil Affairs Company took over the project and worked with 3rd Platoon, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, to finish the renovations and coordinate the ceremony.
“This project has been something we’ve been working on since March,” said 1st Lt. Joseph W. McCarthy, 3rd platoon leader, Co. C, 2nd Bn., 28th Inf. Regt. “Projects like these are the basis of change for Iraq, and I’m proud of my Soldiers on the ground who are helping to shape the future of Iraq.”
There are 950 students attending the school in two different shifts. The first shift is primary school for first through sixth grade with 700 students. The second shift is secondary school for seventh through ninth grade, which has 250 students in attendance.
The ceremony began with Radi and McCarthy cutting the ribbon held by two students. Speeches in both Arabic and English welcomed guests thanked attendees for their continued support and efforts to improve the school.
“We are all brothers and we all help one another,” said Radi. “We will never forget what the Americans have done to help bring success to the future of our children.”
Village sheiks, Radi, McCarthy and several others helped pass out backpacks, soccer jerseys and soccer balls donated by the U.S. Army.
“The overall mission today was a huge success,” said Staff Sgt. Magaly Santillan, Civil Affairs Team Sergeant, 1411th CA Co. “Our goal today was to officially open the school as well as establish credibility and good working relations with the local populous here.”
