Coalition forces improve conditions at Ghazni orphanage

Written by Polish Army 2nd Lt. Anna Wislocka Task Force White Eagle Public Affairs Tuesday, 31 May 2011 05:31

Coalition forces assessed needs and began improvements to an orphanage in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, May 26.

Polish Civil-Military Cooperation soldiers and U.S. Soldiers of the Ghanzi Agribusiness Development and Provincial Reconstruction Teams inspected an on-going project to replace the windows and doors and assessed additional needs for the nearly 100 residents of the orphanage. In addition, they delivered several boxes of clothes and sleeping bags for the children.

According to the CIMIC tactical support team commander, Polish Army Lt. Ziemowit Jaskólski, the children live in modest conditions with six children to a room sleeping on shabby bunk beds and one cupboard holding all of their possessions. But he said the facility has much bigger needs.

"The main problem is the lack of a water source in the orphanage. The well, which they have is polluted and low efficient - there is not enough water," said Jaskólski.

"Together with the PRT and ADT we will consider all possible solutions. We decide if it is better to clean the well, or draw water from the nearby school,” said Jaskólski.

Another problem is the lack of adequate health care. “It is hard to receive good health care for free, and we have not enough funds to send children to private hospital,” said the orphanage teacher Ahmad Ziya. Several young students received assistance from Polish Army Cpl. Marcin Drózdz, a paramedic. He treated infections, dressed minor wounds, and supplied medication.

“We have only five teachers present here and it is not enough for this number of students”, said Ahmad Ziya. Despite that the children from orphanage have the same dreams as everywhere else. “I would like to be a good doctor in the future” –said an 11 years old Rohola, a resident of the orphanage. However with only five teachers for the 100 students it is hard to meet the needs of the children.

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Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 May 2011 05:38

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