BAGHDAD — Hundreds of students at the Thugger al-Iraq Primary and Secondary School here in the Qarguli neighborhood have something to look forward to this year, thanks to the efforts of W. Virginia NG.
A project to overhaul the school and add 4 new buildings began Aug. 28, according to Capt. James Bowen, cmdr of Troop B, 1st Bn, 150th Armored Recon Sqdrn, 30th HBCT. The dilapidated school was chosen with help from the local area council and shaykh, according to Bowen.
"The school was built in 1958, and nobody has fixed it until now," said Younis Ali, a security guard for the project. Ali attended the school in the 1980s with his siblings and now his 3 children attend the school. "The U.S. forces make life easier and much better for us," added Ali. "When the Americans say they're going to do something, they do it."
"It makes a tremendous impact on the community," Bowen said. "This project has put our troops in better light in the eyes of the community. They realize we're here to help the community, instead of just walking around with guns and asking questions."
"I understand the importance of educating the youth; these are the people that will eventually lead Iraq," continued Bowen. "Previously, the school didn't have electricity or a/c all the time, which makes it harder to learn when it's 120 degrees out."
According to Bowen, members of the GoI and both the Sunni and Shi'a parts of town assembled for a meeting at the school before the project began. "They understand they have to get past sectarianism to make things better," explained Bowen. "They understand they have to work together to make things better. To show the kids that we're able to get Sunni and Shi'a to work together is a big step," Bowen said.
Setting an example for the future leaders of Iraq and working together to rebuild the Thugger al-Iraq School gives the community something they haven't had for a long time."I have much hope for my children," said Ali, just before the Soldiers left. "It's a good feeling because if they study hard, then they've a chance to become a doctor or an officer."
