Jo’s Cafe

School Renovations Seek Bright Future

Okay John Murtha — stick this in your pipe (or somewhere else). You want them gone? Tell that to the children.

MOSUL, Iraq – Whether the key to a bright future for a country is to educate the children of the present will be tested in northern Iraq over the next generation, based on the work of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region North.

The 324 schools renovated in Iraq’s seven northern provinces under the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund will benefit 42,000 students. All but nine of the schools are completed, and only one of those will not be finished by the end of January, officials said.

Officials also noted that under the Commanders Emergency Response Program, 450 classrooms have been added to an additional 84 schools, benefiting more than 16,000 students.

“More than 58,000 children have been affected,” said Pradip Patel, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers program manager. “Students will be able to study in clean, painted classrooms, use new toilet facilities and new water fountains, and play in newly constructed playgrounds surrounded by perimeter walls. These renovated facilities will definitely motivate students and teachers to focus on classroom activities.”

Renovations included adding new rooms to many of the existing buildings. A number of schools had security perimeter walls built around them. In all cases, the buildings were inspected and, where needed, roofs were repaired.

Other upgrades included electrical service, both wiring and lighting and, in some cases, generators to guarantee a stable power supply. Bathroom renovations included tile on the walls and floors, new fixtures, and both water supply and discharge. Each school received a fresh coat of paint inside and out. Many schools had playgrounds prepared.