Volunteers Break Language Barrier with Djiboutian Children

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (Feb 13, 2010) - Volunteers from Camp Lemonnier spent time playing sports, making beaded bracelets and necklaces, coloring pictures and handing out shoes to students at Guelleh Battal school in Djibouti on Saturday, February 13, 2010.  The 50 volunteers who went out to this school are known as Community Assistance Volunteers or CAV; this is the second time they've gone to the Guelleh Battal school to spend time with the children.

Mahamed Ahmed Abdillahi, Camp Lemonnier's Community Relations advisor, thinks CAV is a program beneficial to both the Djiboutians and the volunteers.  "From a Djiboutian perspective this is an important organization," said Abdillahi. "It makes the people of Djibouti aware of the American presence, and shows them that Americans are here for stability, peace and development. That includes helping the community."

Volunteer work like this, is one that transcends the language and culture barrier that often hinder American and local relations.  "The relationship we're building with these projects is one that breaks the language barrier. Through art and sport there is a type of communication that's just as powerful and important as spoken word. That's what we've created here." said Abdillahi.

Excerpts from "Volunteers Break Language Barrier with Djiboutian Children" by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tyler J. Wilson, CJTF-HOA Public Affairs.