A construction contractor of the Gardez Center of Educational Excellence explains the materials used to build the dining facility to Lt. Col. Daniel Moy, Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team commander, and Maj. Kimberly Riggs, Paktya PRT engineering officer-in-charge, during a recent quality assessment visit.
Afghanistan government officials provide continuing education for residents
by Army Pfc. Andrya Hill
4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division
4/26/2009 - PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- The Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team conducted an assessment to ensure quality construction of the Gardez Center of Educational Excellence earlier this month.
Construction for the center was coordinated by the provincial governor and the ministry of education in March 2008.
"This will be the flagship school project for the Paktya province," said Air Force Lt. Col. Daniel Moy, PRT commander. There isn't a nicer facility that's been built here so far, so everyone is very excited about it. It will be their pearl, their pride and joy."
The purpose of the school is to provide a safe educational environment for all levels of academics, extending into the first two years of collegiate studies. The curriculum has been provided and approved by the provincial government, and caters to both males and females.
The school also bolsters the local economy by providing stable employment for teachers, contractors, and maintenance workers.
"The contractor is hiring local people and assuring that the construction is done to the ministry standard. He understands what we're looking for," said Moy.
The CoEE is centrally located in Gardez and consists of a 10-room school house for boys, a 10-room school house for girls, a library, computer lab, mosque, dining facility, boys' dormitory, and an orchard. Modern and practical construction compliments the schools' facilities, and simple conveniences exceeding the area standards include paved sidewalks, latrines, and ample storage space.
The PRT toured the entire facility during the assessment and expressed their pleasure with the progress.
"The quality of the construction is great. It is obviously a very complex project, and the contractor is progressing very well," said Air Force Maj. Kimberly Riggs, the engineer officer in charge of the PRT. "We haven't really had any issues on this project as far as construction goes."
In addition, the Afghanistan government's dedication to projects such as this school provides a link with the locals, encouraging a solid relationship and trust in the capability of their government.
"This investment helps the perception of the populace toward their government," said Moy. "We want people here to believe in hope and to anticipate the future, to understand that tomorrow has something better than today, and that tomorrow is linked to what their government is doing."
The school is expected to be completed sometime this summer.
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