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Local Government, Iraqi Security Forces touch children's lives

By 1st Lt. Hector Guzman  

Several Iraqi schools in the Diyala province received an unexpected visit from Iraqi Government representatives, Iraqi Security forces and coalition forces, Dec. 12.

Members of the 5th Iraqi Army Division and Iraqi Government representatives from the Diyala province, pass out school supplies to local schools in Abu Sayda, which is located approximately 20 miles from Baqubah, Dec. 12. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Hector Guzman, Troop B, 6-9 Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division)

Representatives from the city council, along with Iraqi Police Officials, took part in this historical event that was designed to assist the children and schools in Abu Sayda, a town near Forward Operating Base Normandy. Soldiers from 6-9 Combined Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division were there to provide additional assistance.

The group delivered toys and school supplies such as pencils, paper, and erasers that were donated from various individuals in North Carolina. This event is only the beginning of many efforts that are scheduled to assist the community in transforming the under-funded school system.

During their visit, Iraqi Government representatives continued to receive requests for additional school supplies because the schools have a limited budget. In order to continue making a difference in the community, Iraqi Government representatives along with coalition forces stationed in the region, will remain diligent in working together to improve the education system in Iraq.

Continued efforts will be made to reduce Iraq's adult literacy rate which is now estimated to be less than 60 percent, one of the lowest in all Arab countries.

School officials from the City of Abu Sayda were very thankful for the supplies delivered; now they are requesting computers. They hope to establish computer labs in order to enhance computer literacy for the Iraqi students.

The group vowed to continue working to support their needs.

"The main purpose of this school drop is to provide basic school supplies for the local children, while improving relations with the residents of Abu Sayda," said Sheik Saad Majeed Abass Al Sherwi, a prominent representative from the area. "It's an opportunity for the residents from Abu Sayda to see community leaders and Iraqi Security Forces in action working together to improve schools conditions."

The recipient schools are located throughout the city of Abu Sayda, which is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Baqubah. The school supply deliveries were held at six different schools throughout the city, totaling more than 2,800 students.

"We know we must take care of the people in the city. We need to encourage the local population to have faith in the intentions of the Iraqi Police," said Abu Sayda Police Chief Col. Ibrahim Kathim Muhammed Al Surawyi. "The mission of the Iraqi Police is to provide a safe environment for the residents and their children - the children are the future leaders."

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