New Schools in Iraq? What About School Supplies/Books ???

Question

And if the Bush Administration has garnered hundreds of billions of dollars for Iraqi rebuilding, etc. why are people in the United States collecting supplies, such as pencils, paper, for these students? It would seem as though pencils and paper would have been some of the first supplies provided by our Government with some of those hundreds of billions they've alloted ......especially since considering other things they have done, such supplies are rather cheap, and especially since there are so many 'rebuilt' and 'new schools'

Answer 1

We paid for the school remodeling/reconstruction and bought major supplies such as the textbooks. We are not running the Iraqi schools nor are we telling them how to run their school system.

Generally, it is up to the Iraqi government to run the schools and provide day-to-day supplies. However - like many US schools the students are required to provide their own paper and writing utensils. As is typical of third-world countries, many families cannot afford these and as a result they are provided by US military personnel who solicit donations from friends and relatives back home. Note that this is done as a private effort on the part of our servicemen and women.

PS - when I was in Central America back in the mid 80's we were also collecting and donating supplies to the local schools.

BTW - have _you_ done anything to help the Iraqi schools?

Answer 2

I agree that the American school system needs help and support. However, I've found that it mostly falls back on the individual states to handle that. Several states have implemented the lottery to raise education funds and raise teacher pay. However, in most areas, you'll see that the people can see no difference in their education system. That once again reflects on the states. Just what are they doing with their funds??

I'm married to a soldier and have a school age daughter. I know from his stories that we've done alot to help rebuild Iraq in many ways. I'm very glad that we're helping them create an education system. One of the biggest problems in 3rd world and dictatorship countries is the lack of education. The young are the future of Iraq. They deserve a chance at a good start. Most children, until now, have never seen the inside of a school.

Answer 3

I have no knowledge of a federal program to collect school supplies, books, etc. This may be being done through a charity organization

Answer 4

Eddood may be correct. Otherwise the only explanation is the govt moves in mysterious ways to perform its wonders.

Answer 5

wil;l be difficult but we can do it.