Lt. Col. Humberto Ramirez, GRS Basra Area Office dep. cmdr, and Todd Harter, GRS construction rep, discuss the construction progress at the Al Basra Institute for Vocational Training renovation project with Iraqi project engrs.
BASRA — A vocational school renovation project is slated to help residents of Al Hyyaniya, a densely-populated neighborhood in Basra, learn job training skills that should increase their employment opportunities.
“The renovation project will have a big impact for Basra Community,” said Todd Harter. “The aim of the project is to provide the residents of Basra a modern vocational training center that will offer a positive learning environment to train students for many years.” In addition, Harter said, “The graduates of the training center will provide a greater skilled pool of workers for companies to choose from in the area. Companies will be able to hire graduates and be assured that they are training properly.”
Built in 1976, the Institute was completely unusable after 2003. “All the buildings, warehouses, and classrooms were in very bad condition, and there weren't enough rooms for all the students who wanted to join the training center,” said Al A’mara, the center’s headmaster. “The center was able to accommodate about 400 students, but when completed we hope this number will increase to 1,000,” Al A’mara said. “In addition to welding, carpentry, electric, plumbing, auto mechanics, and masonry classes, we are planning to include new computer, electronics, English, a/c and refrigeration courses.”
The renovation project is scheduled to be completed in Nov.
