Beletweyne, 07 March 2015- As part of its continued community engagement activities, AMISOM has renovated and handed over classrooms at the Majamac Primary and Secondary school, in Beletweyne, Hiran region. This is among the many Quick Impact Projects being undertaken by AMISOM to meet immediate community needs in different parts of Somalia, whose access to such basic social services was hindered by Al Shabaab terror.

The project was funded by the British government through the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA) and AMISOM.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the school Principal Dr. Abadulahi Yusuf said the structures of the school that houses 1,700 students had been in terrible shape and lacking basic amenities.

“I am very grateful to AMISOM and the International community that sponsored this project, especially the British government. Through this platform, I would like to further appeal to the international community to do more in supporting this school, which still has a lot of needs. Am hopeful that this is only the beginning,” he said.

The handover ceremony was attended by the student community and their parents, AMISOM Sector IV Police Commander Superintendent Abdullahi M Geidam and AMISOM sector IV CIMIC officer Lieutenant Samatar.

Speaking on behalf of the parents, Mr. Mohamed Abukar Shamal said, “We are very grateful to sponsors and executors of this project especially AMISOM and the British government. Such projects strengthen the good relationship and trust between us, members of the public and the peace keeping force”.

Major Abdourashid Ismael Hamargod, the AMISOM Djiboutian Chief of Operations pledged further support to the school and the community in general, in addressing outstanding needs.

“I welcome the completion of and handover of this project. I thank our International partners for their effort in addressing some of the problems faced by the people of this region. I have heard what the school Principal has said and will pass your request to AMISOM headquarters and UNSOA,” he said.

AMISOM has supported the renovation of several other schools in the region, the Beletweyne airport and Lamagalaay Military and Training Camp, among others. Engagement in Quick Impact Projects is one of the key priorities for AMISOM this year, in support of communities enjoying newly found peace.