Sailors from USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG-58) participated in a community relations project cleaning and painting classrooms at Makongo Primary School, August 4 -5, 2011, as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS) East's Tanzania Hub.

The activities included cleaning, minor repairs and paint to the interior and exterior of two of the school´s classrooms. The project also provided an opportunity for Samuel B. Roberts sailors to play and converse with the students during their recess.

Makongo currently has 28 teachers on staff with seven classrooms containing 80-160 students per class. With 42% of Tanzania´s population under the age of 15, preservation of classrooms plays a key role in providing space for children to learn.

Samuel B. Roberts community relations project coordinator, Lieutenant Dennis D. Strang said the joy he received from being around such special kids made the project worth the long hours.

"We got to learn their phrases and see how their educational structure is set up," said Strang. "It amazes me how every single one of these kids learns their tribal language, Swahili, and English with such limited resources."

Makongo school teacher, Lorencia Magerra said the project had been needed for quite some time.

"We were very happy to have the U.S. Navy come to our school to assist us with our classrooms," said Magerra. "A fresh coat of paint helps us all feel more comfortable with where we are working and learning."

Petty Officer 1st Class Lasean A. Biggs, one of 40 sailors to assist with the project, said he enjoys helping out when he gets the chance to give back to the less fortunate.

"At first glance my impression of the school was that it's actually pretty organized," Biggs said. "It was nice to see how well educated the kids are and to get some pictures with some of them. I had fun and hope to get more people involved next time."

APS is an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.