DEH RAWOOD, Afghanistan — Afghan teens gather outside the gate rain or shine to learn English from soldiers of the Civil Affairs Team-A 11. Classes are taught in a dried up waterway outside the firebase here.

“At first I was not sure about getting involved, but when I see the continued interest and the excitement on the childrens’ faces when they make progress in their studies, it makes it all worth it.” said Spc. William E.J. Carter, 450th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), from Riverdale, Md.

Afghan teens approached the guards at the gate and asked questions about the Army and the United States. The guards enjoyed talking to the boys but could not have the continued distractions.

As a response, the CAT-A 11 team was called upon to assist in answering and dealing with the curious teens.

“The boys were interested in learning English and finding out more about a country they have only heard bad things about through the Taliban and al Qaeda,” said Carter. 

1st Lt. Bradford Adams and his CAT-A 11 team was busy holding bidders’ conferences and doing assessments among other tasks, but thought it would be great to do something more.

Adams decided to host a one-hour English class Tuesdays and Fridays for the interested teens. Classes are held for the 10 to 15 boys outside the compound. Class level is based upon the knowledge they already acquired in their prior schooling.

“We just found out what they knew and started from the student who knew the least,” said Carter.

“Adams tends to go above and beyond the call of duty and enjoys getting socially involved with the local Afghan children. It is his way of learning more about the culture and the language on a more personal level. Starting the English classes is just one example, of his dedication to the mission.,” says Sgt Roger C. Kersey, a member of the 450th.

The students bring their old school books from the previous school sessions and work from them. The children are taught to read and write the English alphabet and numeric system.

Students are asked to draw and color pictures of their own creations and from that they are taught the names of objects, colors and how to correctly spell and pronounce them in English.

“I want to learn English so I can help my country. I know the American people are friendly people. I want to learn from them,” said Darigul, a 16-year-old English student. Darigul said his favorite part of the class is the workbook.

The workbook consists of math, art and spelling. The class is assigned two to three pages of homework and then at the next class the students review and correct any problems.

The classes move on to the next level when Adams and Carter feel the students are ready. “We are very serious about these classes and do not want to just put a few words of English in their head. They want to learn it and we have the power to teach it,” said Carter.

“I want to learn English. I want to help my country grow. I want to go to college and help with the education by becoming a school principal,” said Noor Mohammad, a 13-year-old student.

“The children will begin school again this week, but if these teens are willing to continue their miles of travel for our English classes we will be more then enthusiastic in continuation of teaching them” said Carter.