The Benin Schoolhouse Project
Konarou, West Africa
From our revolutionary constitution to our heartfelt convictions, Americans reach out to those in need because of who we are and what we believe: All people are created equal.
Our country’s collective compassion has fed the poor, educated the illiterate, cared for the sick, and responded to disasters worldwide. The American people have engaged in an unprecedented commitment to humanitarian causes, striving to empower people from all walks of life and to have a positive impact on the world in which we live.
In the forefront, U.S. military personnel provide the manpower required to carry out our missions of goodwill. Offering a better life to those they serve, soldiers dig wells, build schools, and transport medical equipment to villages from Croatia to Columbia. Their presence promotes the health and economic well being of suffering populations. While their actions are benevolent, ask any soldier and he will humbly reply, “I’m just doing my job.”
Through today’s mass media venues, bad news tends to crowd out good deeds. It’s understandable that a bombing or celebrity breakup makes headline news rather than the digging of a well or the opening of a school. But it’s important to remind ourselves that Americans are “waging peace” by extending our hand to those less fortunate, for in our helping hands they will also find our hearts.
In support of the USAFRICOM Mission in Africa, Operations Chief MSgt Graham Hilson, USMC contacted FCP earlier in the year regarding a project in the Republic of Benin. Their goal was to enhance interoperability in Humanitarian Civic Affairs with the Beninese. One year in its planning, a multi-purpose building used for both a schoolhouse and community center was in order for the poorest village of Konarou.
With many structural considerations at hand, FCP design consultant Kathy Cvelbar provided government agencies with details on various wall options available to meet their unique project requirements. MSgt Hilson selected FCP’s Durawood product for its “sustainable materials” value. The look of wood and the durability of 100% recycled plastics impervious to moisture and insects with little to no maintenance made Durawood the perfect option for this African-bound building!
Upon its arrival, the construction project provided challenges for the 48 Naval Seabees and Marine engineers who unloaded a container of puzzle pieces that would soon resemble a schoolhouse. A remote community within the Republic of Benin, Konarou has limited resources. Working around the clock under extreme temperatures, soldiers mixed concrete by hand to pour the building’s foundation. Villagers worked side by side with military personnel as they excitedly helped with the building’s installation, completing it in just 10 days.
SCPO John Beck, Naval Mobile Construction BN11 conveyed the villagers’ joy. With smiling faces and “home cooked” meals, the people of Konarou expressed their gratitude to the American soldiers for the gift they soon would receive.
School-aged children will no longer attend class outdoors under a thatched roof. The new schoolhouse will accommodate 90 students, three times more than their existing structure allowed, thus offering hope for a brighter tomorrow. LTG Mathiew Boni, Benin Army General stated, “This will inspire education for the children of Konarou, for now they have a place to learn in a secure location.”
With song and dance, hundreds of visitors came from far and near to rejoice in the school’s opening day. Two very different worlds united in celebration of their significant contribution and combined team work. The pride in every soldier’s face was evident as they stood tall during the school’s dedication ceremony. When asked about the troops, Major Gregory Butcher- G-4 Force Engineer U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa— portrayed them as “worn out, which means they’re happy right now!”
The Marine Corp’s extraordinary undertaking in building hope for the village of Konarou stands as a testament to the greatness of the United States. To our valiant men and woman in uniform, we salute your benevolence; you will be remembered by those whose names you will never know.
On behalf of FCP, we wish to thank the United States Marine Corps for the wonderful opportunity of participating in the Benin Schoolhouse Project.
God’s blessings to you all
_____
Editor’s Note:
Special thanks to MSgt Graham Hilson for his generous use of video links and personal photographs. They brought our story to life!
It’s a Small World
When FCP shipped the Benin Schoolhouse, we had no idea what the fate of this little building would be. We waved goodbye to the tightly packed cargo container as it headed for the continent of Africa via New Orleans!
In retrospect, we were hoping to hear that all went well in our endeavors and possibly receive a photograph or two. We never imagined what would happen next!
Tiffany Danahy, daughter of FCP’s project coordinator Kelly Mortensen, lives with her husband, USAF Airman stationed at the NATO base in Aviano, Italy. During a long distance chit-chat with Mom, Tiffany commented on a news story being aired on the Armed Forces Network.
“Hey, those look like barn walls and sliding doors with grilled windows. It’s a barn!” she exclaimed. “Marines are building a barn in Africa? For kids?”
As you can imagine, Mom was quite amused from her location on the opposite end of the phone line. Tiffany had grown up around barns so she knew what she was looking at…she just couldn’t figure out why there was one in Africa housing children instead of livestock! When it finally registered with Kelly, she blurted, “That’s ours! We built that!”
After a little research on the AFN Europe website, we were able to find the video link and view the building’s installation for ourselves. That day FCP employees stood tall, just as our brothers in the Corp. We were all proud to be Americans!
From California to New Orleans to Africa to Italy and back home again, we do indeed live in a small world!
Many thanks to Tiffany for finding our story!
We hope you enjoy viewing the attached news link as reported by Valerie Resciniti, Armed Forces Network Europe, July 2009.
The Benin Schoolhouse Project from FCP, Inc. on Vimeo.