CJTF-HOA renovates Djiboutian school, builds wall

Story By: USAF Tech. Sgt. Cindy Dorfner
February 2, 2006

DJIBOUTIVILLE, DJIBOUTI - About 1,800 students now enjoy a safer and more secure learning environment after a major renovation of the Al-Hourya School here funded by the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

CJTF-HOA is made up of U.S. joint forces, the U.S. Department of State and more than two dozen coalition forces from around the globe. The group conducts operations and training to assist host nations establish a secure environment and enable regional stability.

The nearly $130,000 venture saw a complete overhaul to all four buildings on the school grounds, including repair or replacement of ceilings and roofs, electrical components and plumbing systems. A building with toilets was constructed and the buildings were painted.

In addition to the renovations, a wall surrounding the school grounds was demolished and a concrete security fence rebuilt as part of the project. A local contractor completed the work.

According to Pakistan Army Capt. Omer Munj, an engineer assigned to CJTF-HOA, the school and surrounding wall were in desperate need of the repairs.

"The school and wall were in very bad shape," Captain Munj said. "The electrical system was unsafe and there were no toilets."

The new wall offers more security and also keeps wandering animals from roaming around the school grounds, Captain Munj said.

School officials dedicated the school and wall in a ceremony Jan. 31 attended by Marguerita Ragsdale, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Djibouti, officials from CJTF-HOA, as well as teachers, parents and students.

"It's a great pleasure for me, on behalf of the United States, to dedicate the renovation of this school and this wall," said Col. Nicholas Augustine, future operations officer for Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

Colonel Augustine saved the bulk of his message for the school's students - a group he addressed as the future leaders of Djibouti.

"This is a very important time in your life - a time you will make new friends and learn new things," he said. "The coalition came here to help renovate your school because we want you to have a nice place to learn."