Bagram PRT rebuilds Afghanistan one school at a time

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Carlos Diaz
  • U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNEWS) --  The Air Force-led Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team attended a ceremony March 26 marking the first day of class at a high school in Kapisa Province.

The PRT also donated approximately 3,000 pine and fruit trees and boxes of school supplies. Both gestures were in support of the Afghan New Year and Education Day.

"Education is the key and they're on the right path to succeed," said Lt. Col. Donald Koehler, Bagram PRT commander.

Colonel Koehler said the Afghan people have the necessary elements to succeed and move forward.

"They have the leadership and the individual desire and drive to make things better for themselves," he said.

In that spirit, the Mahmud Raqi High School was the site for a joyous ceremony.

The two-story building sits at the end of an open field, and sports a fresh coat of white and yellow paint. A colorful carpet draped the front steps that led to a podium decorated with a flower arrangement while a large green banner hung above.

"This place will help build the future of Afghanistan," said Brig. Gen. Christopher D. Miller, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander and Air Component Coordination Element director.

In his speech, the general addressed two themes: hope for the future and progress through education.

"This school building is a symbol of what the Afghan people can do," General Miller said. "However, this building is just a shell; what happens in the mind is more important."

General Miller said teaching children the importance of education can help build a stronger economy for Afghanistan and bring pride to its people.

Several additional key speakers addressed the crowd of hundreds of children, parents, students, educators and onlookers. After the speeches, a school bell was rung eight times to signify the beginning of a new school year.

During a tree-planting ceremony, an abundance of smiles flashed on many Afghan faces. Soon after, the school tour began where Air Force and Army personnel helped distribute the school supplies.

Inside a packed classroom, a group of schoolgirls stood awaiting their supplies. They each received several pens, markers, rulers and notebooks.

The governor of Kapisa Province, Abdul Satar Murad, was proud of what the ceremony meant to his people.

Governor Murad said this is a great step for the security, reconstruction and future of Afghanistan.

"We feel great that our American friends are sincerely helping us rebuild our country and its capacity," he said. "We're very thankful for their assistance because a friend in need is a friend indeed."

With a healthy mixture of U.S. military and coalition forces, the PRT works to promote the conditions for a self-sufficient, secure and stable environment.

Once a PRT contract is awarded, the contractor hires local villagers to produce the work and labor.

"The idea is to keep the money in the village and district," said Army Maj. Donald Johnson, Civil-Military Operations director.

According to Major Johnson, the villagers put their time, sweat and effort into a project and take ownership of it.

"This instills a lot of pride in the people," he said.

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