Iraqi schoolchildren attend the Al Athabiah Primary School in Riyadh, Iraq, March 2, after recent renovations to the school were complete. The school renovations were part of a project called the Riyadh Public Works Civil Service program which focuse...

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, Kirkuk, Iraq - The Al Athabiah Primary School in Riyadh, Iraq, recently completed a much needed makeover that was celebrated March 2.

The successful renovation of the school culminated in a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by city council members, Riyadh Civil Service Corps contractors, and Soldiers of Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

Built in 1972, the school has fallen into disrepair and, at the request of the Al Athabiah council member of education, the CSC took on the project.

Responsible for the refurbishment, CSC employed approximately 70 Iraqi student workers who recently acquired skills in painting, concrete work and carpentry to help facilitate the three-month-long renovation project.

The repairs to the school included new electrical wiring, new cement to refurbish flooring and fresh paint for the walls.

Jasim Hamed Khalaf, the school headmaster, said he is pleased with the renovations and is looking forward to using the refurbished facility.

"The completion of this project and others like it clearly shows the willingness of the Iraqi people to overcome adversity and pave the way for their children's future," Khalaf said.

Commander of B Company, 1st Bn., 8th Cav. Regt., Capt. Eric Hong, was present during the ceremony and said the project was part of the Riyadh Public Works CSC program, which is upgrading other government buildings in the area.

"CSC is also renovating other buildings in the Riyadh area, primarily the

police station and municipal building," said Hong.