A child receives a new backpack filled with school supplies during the first day of school at Nalgham School, Jan. 15.

NTM-A Public Affairs

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan — In an unprecedented move for residents of the central Zharay district village of Nalgham, Afghan and coalition security forces hosted an opening ceremony at the Nalgham School, Jan. 15, and distributed backpacks and school supplies to approximately 25 children.

Zharay district officials, Afghan security forces, and Soldiers from Combined Task Forces Spartan’s 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, participated in the first day of school activities at Nalgham. Before the students arrived for school, the Afghan and coalition forces’ Soldiers stuffed backpacks full of school supplies for each student.

At 10 a.m., the teacher and students arrived and were noticeably excited to receive the school supplies and begin learning.

The commander of the 1-32 Infantry Battalion, Lt. Col. Kenneth Mintz, said the school’s opening is a visible symbol of increasing security in the Nalgham area.

“The school opening is a direct reflection of the progress and increased security in the Nalgham area,” said Lt. Col. Mintz. “As the security situation in Nalgham progresses, the (Afghan and coalition security forces) will continue to introduce non-lethal initiatives into the area to stimulate the economy and continue to gain support for the Afghan government.”

In the near future, Soldiers from Combined Task Force Spartan and the 1-32 Infantry Battalion plan to build a centrally-located school in Nalgham near the new Nalgham Police Patrol Station, which will provide security and a central location for education and security initiatives.