JumpStart International

A new 150-meter long brick wall, three meters tall, will be built for the Baghdad School of Music and Ballet, the premier conservatory for children in Iraq.

The old metal fence, which was relatively weak and in disrepair, was overrun and left in ruins in a riot about 2 and 1/2 weeks ago, resulting in the destruction of much property including 17 rare pianos and a large drop-off in enrollment in the 300-student school as parents withdrew their children due to security concerns. Fortunately, the Swiss and Norwegian embassies have donated some money and a collection of twenty-five instruments to help the school's programs resume.

The project will begin tomorrow and will be completed in approximately three weeks, employing perhaps 15-20 bricklayers and assistants.