ARJA, Pakistan -- The NATO troops
of the Headquarters Support Battalion of the LCC FCE help the students
of the district by setting up tents in their spare time.
The cold wheather is increasing day
by day. Despite the fact that the works of the NATO engineers deployed
in this district of the Pakistani Kashmir continue to proceed at a good
rhythm, there still are many things to do. Spanish soldiers serving in
the HQ Spt Bn have been requested by ALISEI, and Italian NGO, to support
them in the setting of tents to replace the school facilities destroyed
by the earthquake. The soldiers responded positively to the request without
hesitation, despite the fact that they have to take the burden of having
some soldiers doing the work of the others which will be out helping the
children.
They did the necessary reconnaissance in light vehicles and most of the places were reachable by track, while others had to be approached by helicopter. The assigned area is quite big and in some cases, they have to get up very early in order to arrive to the spot on time, since some of the itineraries require more than three hours of dangerous driving.
Once arrived the first thing is the hospitality shown by the villagers, greeting, shaking of hands and words of gratitude and, as usual, the typical invitation to tea. The kids are always ready to give a hand transporting the lighter material from the truck. For them, the arrival of the NATO troops is always an important event which deserves proper attention. They ask all kind of questions giving no relief to the busy soldiers who are happy with their interest. This curiosity made the solider realise that they lack the minimum material, and the small quantity they have is thanks to UNICEF which we bring them. Thus, they decided to rise money to buy some sport material, specially cricket articles, which is handed to the school principal.
It is thanks to this demanding task that we came to better understand the culture of this Country which far different from ours. To better know people which is eager to meet other people and other customs. They invite us to share their tea and cookies. They introduce their wife and children, something reserved for close relatives and friends, and this reached deeply in our souls.
The NATO soldier have set up 9 tents in 5 different villages so far, and they expect to reach 30 in a first phase. Weather and temperature allowing, they expect to set up a total of 60 in a second phase.