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U.S. Army Maj. William Jones, 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion team chief, clarifies a phrase for Djiboutian students during an English discussion group at the Diplomatic Institute in Djibouti, Jan. 12, 2016. The English discussion groups not only help students practice their newly acquired language skills with native speakers, but they also acquaint them with U.S. military members on a personal level. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Victoria Sneed)

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Photo by: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt Victoria Sneed 

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Djiboutian students laugh with U.S. military members during an English discussion group at the Diplomatic Institute in Djibouti, Jan. 12, 2016. More than 15 members from the local community participated in the group discussions, improving their English speaking and comprehension skills by interacting with native speakers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Victoria Sneed)

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Photo by: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt Victoria Sneed 

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U.S. Army Capt. Tommy Stephens, 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion team chief, answers Djiboutian students’ questions during an English discussion group at the Diplomatic Institute in Djibouti, Jan. 12, 2016. Civil affairs members attend group discussions to help intermediate and advanced English students practice speaking with native speakers. (U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Victoria Sneed)

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Photo by: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt Victoria Sneed 

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - More than 10 members of the 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion, Delta Company, joined local students for an English language discussion group at the Diplomatic Institute in Djibouti, Jan. 12, 2015.

The U.S. military members participated in the intermediate and advanced courses, helping students practice their new language skills with native speakers.

“[Civil affairs] liaise between the U.S. military and government officials, people of influence, local leaders, religious, civil and military,” said U.S. Army Capt. Tommy Stephens, 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion team chief. “The majority of these students are working toward positions in government and business.”

By increasing the skills of the local populace, civil affairs helps create an environment that enables continued economic growth and sustained broad-based development.

“We aren’t here to force our solutions onto our African partners,” said Stephens. “We try to help them sustain themselves.”

The class is a networking opportunity for both sides of the conversation in both a professional and personal capacity.

“When [U.S. military members] come here, they become friends with us,” said Fatouma Djamh, Diplomatic Institute English language student. “It is interesting to know what their life is like, how they live in Djibouti and what they do in our country.”

In addition to making acquaintances, military members gain a sense of accomplishment for helping out the local populace.

“A lot of the people who come here want to use English to improve their lives,” said U.S. Army Maj. William Jones, 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion chief. “It gives me fulfillment being a part to make their lives better.”

The knowledge gained in these exchanges can expand beyond the bounds of the classroom and impact others in the community.

“I have children, and I want to teach them to speak English,” said Djamh. “I want for my children to go to university abroad. If they don’t speak English, it may be hard for them.”

Helping Djiboutians learn English enables them to increase their knowledge, potentially elevating their position in the community.

“A lot of them want to learn English because they believe it will make their lives better,” said Jones. “It may give them economic opportunities they never had before.”

The course isn’t purely about education; it is a chance for military members and Djiboutian locals to learn about each other on a personal level by sharing similarities and differences.

“It was fun to talk with them about our lives,” said Stephens. “They want to know more about us and what we do, where we’re from or what kind of pets we have. They are so interested in us, and I’m fascinated with them.”