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Newest nation builders |
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The students received graduation certificates and gifts of tools from Commander Task Force-Oruzgan Col Has van Griensven and then Australian Commander Lt-Col Mick Ryan. Students graduated capable of not only knowing how to use a variety of hand and power tools, but also how to use these skills to make their own furniture, potentially commercially, as a number of previous students have. In addition to the training, friendships were forged among students and trainers, which will assist in the ongoing process of developing a unified, safer and more stable Afghanistan. A number of group and individual projects were conducted during the course, progressing in complexity as student skills developed. A graduating student, Walli-Ullha, noted the sense of satisfaction he felt on completion of his individual saw stool. He is now looking forward to building on the skills he has learnt and returning to school where he can show off his carpentry work. Another student and Afghanistan National Army soldier, Allah-Nazar, proudly stated to the crowd that, “This is for the country of Afghanistan”, when presented with his graduation certificate. Allah-Nazar’s enthusiasm rubbed off on one of his class mates, who said he would now join the Army and hopefully receive more training as a military engineers from the Australians. This was the final class for the school’s pioneering leader, WO2 Jed Watson. Nearing the end of his tour, he passed on his course-manager’s position to fellow Australian engineer, WO2 Shane Johnsson. WO2 Watson said he was proud of his soldiers’ achievements and hoped the Afghan men he trained were able to use the skills to their advantage. “We get some skilled and some unskilled students, but at the end of the course, they all walk out of here with another option in life, a bunch of good friends, and some of their handiwork to flash around town and be proud of,” he said. “I like to call it getting them off the ground. We provide the students with the skills to build tables, chairs and beds at home and if they can do this for their family and friends, then that is a lot of people we have helped progress in life. “It’s all about Afghans helping Afghans in the end.” WO2 Watson also saw potential for the course to grow in time and expand on the skill-sets that the students have gained. “We already do three days on basic generator maintenance which includes electrical safety, but there is a potential to expand into basic plumbing and sewerage as well. “These kinds of skills can really benefit the community in a number of ways such as health and sanitation, which is one of the priorities here.” |
