Djibouti schoolchildren offered brighter future

  • Published
  • By Army Sgt. Brandon McCarty
  • Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Public Affairs
DJIBOUTI CITY, Djibouti (AFPN) --  Officials from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 6 dedicating new educational facilities for the schoolchildren of Balbala, Djibouti.

Projects for the Balbala and Goubetto primary schools were handed-over during the dedication ceremony to the local community for their care.

"(These) new school addition(s) represent opportunity," said Army Brig. Gen. Sanford Holman, the CJTF-HOA deputy commander. "Here stands the opportunity to influence and improve the knowledge, welfare and stability of future generations of Djiboutians. CJTF-HOA stands committed to fostering regional stability where people can receive an education, learn, grow and share with others what they have learned."

Hundreds of students welcomed General Holman and W. Stuart Symington, the U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti, to the dedication with cheering and shouting as they arrived. Ambassador Symington was all smiles after being fitted with a flower necklace, made by the children.

The Balbala primary school upgrades included new classrooms, a stocked library, bathroom facilities, a stage area for plays and a new power supply.

The Goubetto primary school upgrades consisted of four classrooms, a kitchen and food preparation area, and a new dining room.

"The instrument of hope for the Djiboutian children is education," the ambassador said. "The essentials that they are being taught are a light on the path of their future."

The project, financed by CJTF-HOA and built by Enterprise Aden Ali Company Construction, ran from May 7 to Aug. 7.

Nearly 1,400 local area children attend the schools, which also received a new coat of paint from servicemembers of CJTF-HOA to brighten up the learning facility.

"I trust that this school will be a source of pride for the people of Balbala for many years to come," General Holman said. "I hope that it will inspire others to learn and perhaps become teachers themselves."

The arrival of school supplies, soccer balls, watercolor paints and T-shirts from members of CJTF-HOA also brought smiles to the faces of the school children.

"Helping to create a better learning environment, which will foster success for these students and the next generation of children, warms my heart and makes me feel like I have made a difference," said Chief Navy Chief Petty Officer Juan Jones, the CJTF-HOA dedications officer.

General Holman visited many classrooms and spoke to the teachers and students, who had written "thank you" and drawn American flags on their individual chalkboards to show their appreciation.

"For you children, remember, knowledge and education is a priceless gift given to you by your teachers," General Holman said. "Respect and honor them by using that gift to do great things."

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