Story and photo by 1st Lt. Hector Guzman
1st Cavalry Division
FOB NORMANDY — Several schools in the Diyala province received an unexpected visit, not to mention toys and school supplies, from Iraqi Government representatives, Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces recently.
Representatives from the city council, along with Iraqi Police officials, took part in a historical event 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 residents of North Carolina. This event is only the beginning of many efforts scheduled to assist the community in transforming its under-funded school system.
During their visit, Iraqi Government representatives received requests for additional school supplies because the schools have a limited budget. 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, now estimated to be less than 60 percent, one of the lowest in any Arab country.
Abu Sayda school officials were thankful for the supplies and are now requesting computers. They hope to establish computer labs to enhance computer literacy for Iraqi students.
The group vowed to continue working to support their needs.
(Photo: 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.)
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