ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia- Navy Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4, based out of Naval Base Ventura County, Calif. attended the dedication ceremony of the Abadir Primary School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on October 16, 2008.
With the {www:support} of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Embassy and the 489th Civil Affairs Team, a crew of 11 Seabees from NMCB 4 started their work on the school refurbishing project in early August, 2008 after the project was turned over to them by NMCB 74, based out of Gulfport, Miss.
“We want all Ethiopian students to learn in an environment that helps them be the best students they can be,” said Ms. Nancy Estes, USAID-Ethiopia Program Office Chief. We are proud to work together with the U.S. Military, the leadership of the Ministry of Education and the staff and students of the Abadir School to help these children succeed in their studies and to support the hard work of Abadir teachers and staff.”
The Seabees upgraded all the facilities at the Abadir Primary School starting by repairing the roofs on the classroom and administration buildings. New electrical wiring and light fixtures were then installed in the buildings along with the courtyard, replacing the old, unsafe electrical system. Next, new tile and plumbing fixtures were installed in the bathroom facility and the outdoor wash station vastly improving the sanitary conditions for both the students and staff. New paint was then applied to the interior of the facilities and a colorful marble chip was applied to the unsightly exterior.
“Working on this project is a very extraordinary and vital part of our (NMCB 4) mission.” said Utilitiesman 2nd Class Jordan Gulvas, project crew leader. “We are not only improving a place for the children to learn and grow, we are also continuing to be accepted by the local community. Without this, I don’t think this project would be possible.”
The project was completed on October 10, 2008 with the installation of new chalkboards and refurbished school furniture provided by USAID. As the school progresses, the Ethiopian partners are committed to maintaining the school, while the U.S. Embassy will continue to support the growth of the library with more books and related material. With the total of 1681 man/days on the project and a cost of $180,000, some 300 students will benefit from this particular project, and the Seabees of NMCB 4 will continue to win the hearts and minds of the African Nation.
NMCB 4 Air Detachment is currently on a six-month deployment supporting Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and is completing missions in various countries in Eastern Africa.