Servicemembers celebrate school dedication in Djibouti

  • Published
  • By Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Mary Popejoy
  • Cobined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Public Affairs
KOUTA BOUYA, Djibouti (AFPN) --  American Servicemembers from the 486th Civil Affairs Battalion and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa were greeted with a traditional Djibouti dance by the students and community members of Kouta Bouya Dec. 17 as part of the school dedication ceremony here. 

During the five months of renovations, the contractor, Enterprise De Construction Go Baad, renovated three classrooms, built three new classrooms and a teacher's dormitory. 

The contractor also renovated the cantina, renovated the student's dormitory, built a new fence and installed an incinerator. The contractor also renovated the well and installed solar panels for all of the classrooms and the well.

"We celebrate the new educational opportunities this school will provide," said Navy Capt. Bob Wright, the CJTF-HOA Strategic Communications director. "We share an appreciation for what education can accomplish. It can advance the lives of young people here today. But it can also educate a generation that will advance society, the nation and ultimately the world."

Before construction, Kouta Bouya Primary School taught children up to the fourth grade, but with three additional classrooms they'll be able to accommodate two more grades for the full complement of first through sixth primary grades.

"Our intent is to help better educate the people here, so we can help stabilize this region," said Tech. Sgt. Marrisa Luke, a CJTF-HOA engineer. "We're here to help educate the kids for a brighter future."

Faoud, the assistant commissar of Dikhil district, hopes the staff and students appreciate what the contractor, the U.S. military and the U.S. Embassy has done for them so they can continue their education.

"Please take care of this facility because the future of our kids depends on how well you treat this special gift from our friends," Faoud said.

Mohammed, the Kouta Bouya Primary School director, also expressed his gratitude to the visitors who traveled four hours to attend the ceremony.

"We appreciate your friendship and the amount of work and coordination that went into making this project successful," Mohammed said. "With two wells, drinkable water and electricity, we'll be able to accept more students and prepare them for a better tomorrow."

Peace and tolerance are values that are instilled by parents, teachers and religious leaders, and are cemented by an understanding of the world and the human condition, which is why education is essential to their lives. Captain Wright said. "For you children, remember that knowledge and education is a priceless gift given to you by your teachers. Respect and honor them by using that gift to do great things."
 
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