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PRT delivers supplies to Laghman schools

  • Published
  • By Capt. Gerardo Gonzalez
  • Methar Lam Provincial Reconstruction Team
MEHTAR LAM, Afghanistan --  Soldiers and Airmen from the Methar Lam Provincial Reconstruction Team delivered nearly a ton of much-needed supplies to two schools in the capital city of Laghman Province November 21.

The PRT distributed 1,300 backpacks, along with teacher's kits, hygiene products, soccer balls, notebooks, pens, pencils, and other items to Alikheyl Primary School and Ishaq Nangial High School in Methar Lam City.

"We will not forget this act of kindness, doing something like this is very good because it encourages the children to continue their education," said Alikheyl School Principal Malek Mohammad.
The school, which is located just outside Methar Lam, boasts an enrollment of 1,200 students and half of them are girls, said the principal. The school has three small buildings so students attend class in two daily shifts and some classes are conducted in tents.

"I've dedicated my life to educating these children, I do it with all my heart, 24 hours a day," said Mohammad.

"Educating children is important particularly in Afghanistan. By educating the children and expanding their knowledge, maybe in the future we can end the fighting that has plagued Afghanistan for so many years," said Lt. Col. Brad Bredenkamp, Methar Lam PRT commander.

Inside the city, Ishaq Nangial High School also benefited from the PRT mission that day. With a student body of 4,000, the all-boys school welcomed the donation and took advantage of the opportunity to interact with some of the troops.

"They're very curious about us," said Staff Sgt. Samantha Francis, Methar Lam PRT driver. "It was great coming out here and getting the opportunity to speak with the students and address some of their questions."

A teacher at the high school named Abdullah said the supplies will definitely help students with their studies and that he appreciates the gesture.

"I'm very happy the PRT is helping the children of Afghanistan," he said. "I'm grateful that the coalition is working to bring peace and happiness to Afghanistan."

Some of the items donated came directly from non-profit private groups in the United States, said Master Sgt. Joseph Sawyer, Methar Lam PRT communications superintendent.

"One of the organizations is 'Americans 4 Afghanistan,'" said Sergeant Sawyer. "They just want to do their part to help this country as well, and we are grateful for their assistance."

Small children from a nearby elementary school made their way to the high school during the drop and also received some supplies from the PRT.