Samuel B. Roberts Sailors Participate in Kenyan COMREL

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Jamieson, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/ Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

MOMBASA, Kenya (NNS) -- USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) built and painted blackboards as part of a community relations (COMREL) project during Africa Partnership Station (APS) East 2011 at Marenje Primary School in Mombasa, Kenya, July 21.

Marenje Primary School, located in one of the poorest areas of Kenya, serves more than 295 students at four grade levels with just four full-time teachers. The difficult task of providing students with a quality education is even more difficult with the lack of adequate teaching materials.

Head teacher Ngalaa Mwanyamawi, who is a stickler for good penmanship, said the blackboards Roberts Sailors constructed will make a big difference in easing his teacher's jobs.

"Before, we would write on small slates, which makes it difficult for all the children to see," said Mwanyamawi. "The blackboards will allow us to show the children how to write the words correctly and our assignments will be more effective."

A 24-year-veteran teacher, Mwanyamawi said the visit by the Roberts crew lifted the spirits of the students and teachers at Marenje as high as he had seen them.

"We were so excited when we heard we were going to have our friends here, we began to teach all the children a welcoming song to show off for our new friends. When we saw the bus, the children could barely contain their excitement," said Mwanyamawi. "We appreciate everything our new friends have done for us, and we hope they will come again soon."

Besides building blackboards, the Sailors also brought soccer balls for the children to enjoy.

Boatswain's Mate Seaman Kendall Tyre said he was really happy to see the children laughing and smiling, and he found the overall experience both humbling and inspiring.

"These kids are very, very poor, but you don't feel sorry for them because they are just so happy," said Tyre. "It was a culture shock, but it's what I got into the Navy to do. I want to be out there doing good for people. I feel like we did that today."

Asked if he would consider participating in another COMREL, Tyre replied emphatically, "most definitely."

Roberts will soon continue their involvement with Africa Partnership Station East 2011 with training and community relations in Tanzania.

Roberts is on a regularly scheduled deployment to the 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

APS is an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.