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US Military Funds African Projects

The projects, representing two of the 16 projects completed to date in the Gode area, were funded by Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

The May 30 openings of a new clinic and two new schools in Gode, Ethiopia, represent two of the 16 projects completed to date by the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa in the Gode area.

The two projects, a clinic in Kunka Village and two school buildings in Badal Segal, cost slightly more than $110,000 and were funded by the task force.

"Today is a great day to celebrate. We thank the military for all they have done to help us, and because of you all, this day will go down in history."

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Richard Hunt, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa commander, was joined by Nick Namba from the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia, village elders in Kunka Village and teachers in Badal Segal. During each dedication representatives from each village, Mr. Namba and the admiral spoke to about 150 villagers before the ceremonial cutting of the ribbons.

The first dedication took place in Kunka Village and began with organized clapping and the village soccer team running a lap around the clinic.

"We like this incredible project," a village elder said. "We cannot ever forget this beautiful gift!"

Villagers said the clinic was a gift they needed tremendously. The old clinic had been made of wood, clay and rocks and was falling apart. The new clinic is made of concrete blocks and high-quality materials, which should meet the village's needs for years to come, they said.

"Today we have something real," Namba said. "A real clinic to take you past tomorrow and into the future."

Hunt said that he trusts the clinic will be a source of pride for the Kunka people and that he hopes it will inspire some to study and perhaps practice medicine and health care in the future. "This clinic represents opportunity ... opportunity for the people of Kunka Village to help one another," the admiral said. "By helping one another Kunka Village will build a stronger community."

The second dedication was a short drive from the Kunka Village to Badal Segal, a small community in need of a new school to house almost 800 students.

"Today is a great day to celebrate," a teacher said. "We thank the military for all they have done to help us, and because of you all, this day will go down in history."

Before the new school was built there were not enough rooms to hold the children comfortably. Often 70 to 100 students were crammed into one classroom.

"Our children now have a chance to receive a proper education," said another teacher.

Namba told the villagers his wife is a teacher and the sight of the school makes him extremely happy. "Schools are important for not only the students, but for the community," he said.

Hunt said that both the new clinic and school buildings were opportunities to improve healthcare and the basic fundamentals of education.

"I trust that the clinic and the school dedicated today will help improve the health and welfare of not only the Kunka and Badal Segal villages, but the people throughout the entire region," said the admiral.

Source: U.S. Air Force