AUSTRALIAN BATTLE GROUP ON MISSION FOR CHILDREN

Australian soldiers brought hope and happiness to the lives of more than 1000 children when they visited villages in southern Iraq to scope the refurbishment of schools and the construction of playgrounds worth a total of US$1.15 million.

The school and playground projects were a major feature of Operation Hooper which was conducted during 17-19 September by the Australian Battle Group.

The Commanding Officer of the Overwatch Battle Group (West) -Three [OBG(W)3]) announced eight projects for five major towns in northern Dhi Qar province.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Jake Ellwood said one of the projects involves refurbishing an ex-Ba’ath Party HQ and converting it into the Al Gharaff Preparatory School for Girls at a cost of US$300K.

Other projects will include the US$150,000 refurbishment of Al Mo’Menat Secondary School for Girls at Ad Dawwayah, the US$200K refurbishment of Ash Shatrah Preparatory School for Girls, and a US$200K market place for Ar Rifai.

The Australian military will also plan and fund the construction of four new family playgrounds worth US$100K each, in the towns of Qal’ at Sukkar, Ash Shatrah, An Nasr and Al Grarraf.

Each family playground will be 100 x 50 metres and include a security fence with gates, grass walkthrough, paths, playground equipment and seating, a water feature, along with associated plumbing and lighting.

To demonstrate their goodwill, the Australian soldiers also distributed school supplies and highly prized soccer balls to the grateful children of the towns they visited.

Smiling Iraqi children, parents and teachers, expressed their overwhelming gratitude to the Australians for the school and playground projects that will enhance the quality of their education and enrich their lives.

Lieutenant Colonel Ellwood said the Australian Battle Group’s Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) team is focused on the future of Iraq through the welfare and education of the Iraqi children.

“By investing in the children we are investing in the future of Iraq," he said.

Lieutenant Colonel Ellwood said the construction projects would also provide employment for local people by using local companies to complete the works.

The visit to the major population centres in northern Dhi Qar also set the conditions for long-term situational awareness and rapport with the local people.

The school and playground projects are some of the many Australian community development projects that are helping to raise living standards for the people of southern Iraq.

The Australian funded projects include providing generators, water purifiers, and other essential infrastructure together with school buildings and educational material.

This is one of the important ways in which the Australian Defence Force (ADF) directly contributes to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq.

View related images