Secondary school for boys opened for teaching

Story and photos by Cpl. Ryan Turnage

RAMADI, Iraq – In downtown Ramadi, Iraq, a new structure stands two stories high with glass double doors and marble steps. Kids play in the courtyards and stand with their friends while waiting for the start of their day.

This day, though, was special because it marked the grand opening of the Secondary School of Al-Zaitoon Exemplary for boys, April 21, 2009.

In previous years, the focus in the eastern Al Anbar province was increasing the security level. Civil reconstruction and plans to improve the quality of life were put on hold. Now that security situation has dramatically improved, the citizens of this area of Ramadi were finally able to finish something they had been attempting to construct for years – a secondary school for boys.

The Iraqis did all of the planning and construction for the school, said 1st Lt. Silas Smith, a Civil Affairs Group team leader with 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment. Coalition Forces only helped with some of the funds, he added.

After a brief tour of the structure, Coalition Forces and Iraqi civilians gathered in the school auditorium for a performance given by the school’s young attendees.

 Several students organized a play depicting the struggles against insurgency. Rules and regulations of the previous provincial government prohibited students from participating in creative arts, but now Iraq’s young generation can show off their talents.

“It’s magnificent that the children can now have plays and show their creative sides. Not too long ago it was prohibited in the schools,” said Mr. Fazel Khalaf Saleh, the Director-General of Education. Fazel went on to say the facility met all of his expectations and is very grateful for everyone’s hard work.

This was the third of four schools Fazel wished to complete and with the Iraqi Security Forces providing a high level of security throughout eastern Al Anbar province and keeping violence at an all-time low, he predicts the final school will be completed within the next year.

For more information on the ongoing mission in Iraq’s Al Anbar province, visit http://www.iimefpublic.usmc.mil/iimeffwd.