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Wing Commander Heyworth, Officer Commanding Force Protection Wing at Basrah Air Station, cuts the ribbon to officially open the facility [Picture: Cpl Tony Stinson, RAF]

At 1430 hrs on 31 August 2005, a newly built school in Al-Khora, Western Basrah, was officially opened courtesy of funding provided by 2 Squadron, RAF Regiment.

The school, built by local contractors and funded by 2 Squadron, RAF Regiment, was finished on time, having started just five months ago.  Each of the Resident Field Squadrons based at Basrah are tasked with a Civil and Military Co-operation (CIMIC) project. CIMIC projects aim to produce a tangible and visible contribution to the local area with direct benefit to the local population.

The new school will provide six classrooms, each holding up to 40 children.  The classrooms have been fully kitted out with desks, chairs, blackboards, fans and lighting.

The school has also been provided with funding from 2 Squadron for books and stationery for the children.  The school has adopted the motto 'Through Education We Will Prosper', a phrase thought up by WO O’Hara of 2 Squadron.  Flt Lt Sam Wiseman, from 2 Squadron, said:

"I am thrilled to see and have been a part of a really positive and tangible contribution to the area."

Nearly 150 children and adults turned out to watch Wing Commander Heyworth, Officer Commanding Force Protection Wing at Basrah Air Station, cut the ribbon to officially open the facility.

Related Articles:

• British Forces handover basic training in southern Iraq
• British soldiers feel the heat in Baghdad footie tournament
• RAF Leeming personnel lead groundbreaking Force Protection role in Iraq

Related Links:

• No 2 RAF Force Protection Wing HQ
• Iraq Development Program
• NATO CIMIC Group North
• NATO CIMIC Group South

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