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Local CGO Council spearheads Kyrgyzstan school renovation

  • Published
  • By Capt. Martha Petersante-Gioia
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Think back to when you were just learning how to spell and write your name. It was a "big deal" to have somewhat mastered the art of penmanship and proudly display your achievements on the refrigerator.

Now, imagine trying to master these skills without the appropriate resources, like paper, pencils or pens. Not only is a particular group of children trying to learn these skills without the necessary tools, but they are doing it sitting on dirt floors - without the luxury of a school desk. This is a stark reality for many of the 180 children, ranging from ages 3 to 16, attending the Birdik Community School in Kyrgyzstan.

Due to the large amounts of snow fall and freezing temperatures during the winter months, school supplies such as desks, chairs and even floorboards, are "pillaged to provide for fire wood needed for daily survival," said 1st Lt. Leah Meyer, Air Force Forces contracting deputy director and the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Company Grade Officers' Council project lead.

"Imagine sending your child to school in a structure resembling a bombed-out, World War II-era building. There were no windows, floorboards, or means to heat the area in the winter and very little plumbing," she said. This is the reality facing parents and children in that region.

Upon learning of this need, Lieutenant Meyer sprang into action and enlisted the assistance of the 379 AEW CGOC.

"When [Lieutenant Meyer] was running for [council] vice president, she informed everyone about her idea to help the school. She was elected to the position and immediately began to formulate a plan. During the next meeting the CGOs voted unanimously to donate money in order to purchase the necessary supplies," said Capt. Douglas Jeffrey, CGOC president.

The council solicited volunteers and sponsored a rotator aircraft-cleaning fundraiser. "That one event raised $500 for the council. We also sold CGOC coins and shirts at our events," Captain Jeffrey said.

There was a brief discussion as to whether the council should give a cash donation or buy supplies there, Captain Jeffrey said. It was ultimately decided that Lieutenant Meyer should buy the supplies in Kyrgyzstan because of the value of the dollar in that region.
"Overall, the response we received was truly amazing; people kept asking how to contribute and where they could send donations," she said.

In a trip to the region in July, Lieutenant Meyer, with the assistance of the Manas Transit Center's Top Three organization, was able to procure an entire year's worth of school supplies for the school.

"The school director compiled a list and we were able to purchase everything and then some," she said. "Now, the children have an adequate supply of pens, pencils, rulers, alphabet blocks, a dry erase board and other like items. We were even able to buy an individual pencil box and notebook for each of the students."

In the coming months, a community-wide event is being planned to deliver and install, as required, all of the supplies purchased. "[The local residents] really want this to be a community event with people from both the local area and U.S. servicemembers setting up the furniture, installing bookcases and moving the furniture into the classrooms together," Lieutenant Meyer said.

The people of this region are ecstatic, she said, about the American and Coalition efforts to assist in rebuilding, especially this school. During her trip, Lieutenant Meyer was asked why she was doing this and found herself at a loss for words.

"This was not at all what I expected," she said. It's humbling to see just how lucky I am to be in a position where I am able to donate both my time and funds to such a worthy cause. The people in that region are very grateful for all the efforts that have gone into rebuilding their area.

"It is refreshing to see someone set out on a goal to help people and then follow through with it," Captain Jeffrey said. "I am proud of the CGOC for helping these children in Kyrgyzstan and thankful for Leah's leadership on this humanitarian mission."

"Overall, the experience was eye-opening to see what goes on around the world and how small efforts on the part of some can ultimately make a large difference for others less fortunate," Lieutenant Meyer said.