Millions of dollars in Iraqi Relief and Reconstruction Funds are being spent to repair and reconstruct schools throughout Iraq. The majority of the reconstruction work is being done by local Iraqi companies.

"The future of any country lies with its children," said Linda Carter, construction representative for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Kirkuk area ofice. "Schools are instrumental in the proper development of our children. It's difficult to learn in buildings that are overcrowded and in disrepair."

Currently, over $2 million is being spent on 38 school renovations in the province of Kirkuk. By Nicole Dalrymple, Gulf Region Northern District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers