The school gym at Muriel Martin Elementary was packed as every student paid rapt attention to the man in the camouflage uniform and military beret as he spoke about the value of education, no matter where you are in the world.
Brig.-Gen. Jon Vance was a special guest at the assembly to accept a cheque on behalf of the non-governmental organization Skills Generation for Sayad Pacha and Kandahar Schools. The money came from the City of St. Albert’s Red Friday campaign, an effort started last year to show support for the troops.
Coun. Len Bracko explained that with 550 military families living in St. Albert, council felt it was imperative to provide a demonstration of solidarity.
“It’s a way of saying to the troops, ‘We really value what you’re doing,’ but we also have our responsibility to help in the development of Afghanistan.”
After a meeting was arranged with Vance, a series of events took place under the Red Friday banner. City residents were asked to wear red as a symbol of their support on the second Friday of every month. As a part of this initiative, a St. Albert flag was sent to the Canadian Armed Forces base in Afghanistan. Last year the photo exhibit Kandahar 360 came to the lobby of St. Albert Place. There were fundraising events as well.
Bracko continued, “The brigadier general gave us a letter of how we could assist. He talked about assisting the school committee in Kandahar that does such things as supplying solar lighting since some schools don’t have windows.”
Other critical necessities include wells to supply safe drinking water as well as better teacher training and improved school programs. “Our soldiers were doing their work in the field, and as citizens and residents we can assist in the work through development, to educate people. We believe education is key.”
With a boost of $3,000 from the city itself, the culmination of those efforts was $7,686.51. That money will be used to improve the lives of Afghani men, women and children by focusing on improving the education system and facilities.
Vance said he was very grateful for the support and it will mean even more to the people of Afghanistan because they will know it is coming from caring families here. The Afghans know what the troops’ role is and they will likely see this funding as an extension of that.
“From their perspective, I would say that this very generous donation is more of the same. They take our efforts … very seriously. They will see this money go directly to the Skills Generation NGO that is working so hard to keep the schools functioning.”
While the cheque doesn’t seem like a lot of money, he said it would go a long way toward the cause.
“Every little bit helps. The great thing about this NGO is that they’re on the ground, they’re right there.”
