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School Renovation Includes 11 New Classrooms |
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Saturday, 15 September 2007 |
| School Renovation Includes 11 New Classrooms | | U.S. Army engineers oversee project in Sunni-Shia neighborhood. |
| By Norris Jones
Gulf Region Central District | BAGHDAD, Sept. 14, 2007 — Families in one west Baghdad neighborhood are looking forward to the re-opening of their secondary school.
That facility, which is being doubled in size, sits between a Sunni and Shia area, said Maj. Clark Johnson, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is overseeing the work.
Local leaders there believe that once the project is finished, the school will help the community refocus on basic fundamental Iraqi priorities such as education and help reconcile their differences, he noted.
“They know that the key to success is hard work and education. Just like in the United States, their schools are the heart of their community – a place for hope. And the local council president is very grateful for this investment. He knows the unifying potential it offers residents there.”
The existing 13-classroom structure is more than 30 years old and little had been invested in maintenance and upkeep. The roof was leaking, some of the classroom floors were buckled, the sidewalks cracked, and the restrooms were in deplorable condition, Johnson noted.
“The contractor is repairing the roof, putting in a whole new electrical system, replacing the florescent lights, installing ceiling fans and smoke detectors, renovating the restrooms, repairing and painting all the interior walls, and putting in new floors and sidewalks where needed,” he continued.
“We’re significantly expanding that school as well, constructing 11 additional classrooms and two labs. We’re also increasing the size of their playground area installing colored concrete tiles in a new 476 square-meter area so the students have more mud-free space for recreation. When we’re finished, it’s going to have a dramatic impact on the learning environment there.” |
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 15 September 2007 )
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