ABU GHRAIB, Iraq, March 31, 2004 — Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company 1st Armored Division, the 425th and 478th Civil Affairs Battalions, and members of the Abu Ghraib Municipal Council celebrated the reopening of the Al Anef primary school in Abu Ghraib, March 25, 2004.

Renovations initiated by the 414th Civil Affairs Battalion four months ago are completed and classes are in session. The ribbon cutting ceremony signified the accomplishments made through American-Iraqi cooperation in the Abu Ghraib school district.

“I think these (events) are great,” said Staff Sgt. William Smith, 425th Civil Affairs Battalion team leader. “Everybody says that civil affairs is supposed to win hearts and minds. I think that you have to start with the kids. They are the ones who are going to be the future of Iraq.”

The renovations made to Al Anef school included fixing leaking roofs, installing a water source and providing new school supplies. The 1st Armored Division’s Commanders’ Emergency Response Program provided funds for the renovations and Iraqi contractors carried out the work.

The 414th, 425th and 478th Civil Affairs Battalions made periodic visits to the school to monitor the progress of the renovations.

Students gathered up in the school’s courtyard to welcome the soldiers to their newly renovated school. A group of boys marched out and raised the Iraqi flag while other children sang the new Iraqi national anthem.

Following speeches by Smith and a representative from the school, everyone was invited inside for refreshments.

The school was badly damaged and in poor condition before the renovations began, said Ali Mohammed Kareem, Al Anef’s principal. “(Renovations) to such a school are very difficult,” he said. “But it is very different now. It is very nice.”

With the help of programs like the renovation project at Al Anef, Iraqi children are ensured the possibility of a better future for themselves, he said. At the same time, cooperation between local Iraqi authorities and American soldiers can help foster relationships that will ensure a better future for Iraq.

“I am very pleased,” said Sheik Saad Abaidkadum, chairman of the advisory council in Abu Ghraid and the Abu Ghraid municipal council. “Many schools have already been renovated by the Coalition Provisional Authority.”

“Our relationship is based upon friendship,” he said. “I hope the Iraqi people can be good friends to the Americans, allowing both peoples to cooperate for a democratic Iraq.”