Marine Civil Affairs Opens Doors to Al Kut Schools

[thedrifter]

Marine Civil Affairs Opens Doors to Al Kut Schools

By U.S. Army Sgt. Chris Carney

AL KUT, Iraq, April 26, 2003 ? The schools in Al Kut opened April 26 with mixed results.

Most of the administrative work to get the schools going has been done or will be done soon. The U.S. Marine Corps' 4th Civil Affairs Group is working with school officials to handle paying employees and refurbishing equipment, such as tables and chairs, and other necessary things, in order to get the kids to school as quickly as possible.

The 4th CAG has cleared unexploded ordinance and equipment left by the Iraqi army, who often used the schools as makeshift forts. The U.S. Marines also brought back the teachers, who are now getting paid. But, the students still seem hesitant to return.

Director of Schools Ali Fadhil Al Hurganny would like to see the schools running normal but agrees there is still work to be done.

"There are rumors that this office and schools will be attacked. Many people will be afraid, especially the kids," Ali said.

When you visit the schools, "you will find teachers, but little number of pupils," he added.

Ali is optimistic the Iraqi people will return to the schools once things grow quieter. "The general situation is good. Today is better than yesterday, and tomorrow is best," he said. "We expect this situation to go back to normal. It's a step by step process."

The Marines are working with Iraqi police to maintain order. Al Kut schools have a way to go before they are back to normal. Due to past neglect, lootings and burnings, many schools have minimal supplies. Out of approximately 300 schools in the area, 120 have been damaged.

The director of education has requested 8,500 chairs; 6,500 of those with an attached writing surface. Four thousand cases of paint are needed for the damaged buildings. Coalition forces are helping where they can.

"The Navy Seabees have made tables for the schools, and we found a place in Baghdad to get blackboards for them," said Sgt. John Croce, 4th CAG.

The curriculum for the schools remains the same except for one change. "Everyday the kids had to take time for Saddam studies. They had to learn about him and his party. Now, the courses are math, reading, writing, and science. All the pictures, posters and decorations of Saddam's regime have been removed," Croce said.



Sempers,

Roger