Kenyan soldiers serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have renovated and constructed three new classrooms and making desks for Hoosingo primary school in Lower Jubba as a way of strengthening civil military relations.
The renovation and the construction of the classrooms is part of the AMISOM’s Quick Impact Projects (QIPs), aimed at ensuring quick but long lasting impacts, thereby improving service delivery in the education sector to the Somali people.
The classrooms were handed over in a colourful ceremony to the Hosingow local administration by the AMISOM Sector 2 Commander, Brigadier Paul Njema at a function attended by teachers, students, parents and AMISOM top officials. Songs and traditional dances were on display by locals to showcase their appreciation.
The troops have prioritized access to education which they said was key to lasting security and peace in the region.
The AMISOM troops particularly the Kenya Defense Forces have been building relations with the host community as well as bolstering security efforts in the Jubbaland state of Somalia.
The renovation of the classrooms and implementation of several projects in other areas of the country, are part of AMISOM’s Civil- Military Cooperation (CIMIC) in Somalia, aimed at strengthening relations with the local communities.
On his part, Yusuf Farah Hassan, a traditional elder noted that the numerous projects implemented by AMISOM troops in Jubbaland have impacted positively on the area, opening access to services by both government and non-governmental agencies.
“Following an earlier request for support from AMISOM in the education, health and sports sector through the Sector 2 Commander, we are delighted today to see the implementation of the pledge where three classrooms, and the sports stadium for students which is in its advanced stages, as well as the local airstrip which is ready and will be of value to non-governmental organizations and federal agencies access to the area,” Said Mr. Yusuf.
BY OSMAN HUSSEIN ALI
