Following a flood in Douala, Cameroon, U.S. service members with Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe (CNE) assisted in rebuilding a deteriorated road leading to the school and participated in a variety of community relations activities as part of the Africa Sports Diplomacy Tour September 12, 2008.

The service members arrived at the Bonadiwoto government primary school to find the entire courtyard covered in more than a foot of water and the road leading to the school reduced to a path of mud. With more than 50 tons of dirt, shovels, and rakes, they were able to turn the mounds of dirt into a useable roadway.

The team also delivered nearly 2,000 pounds of donated hygiene products, school supplies and toys from the Project Handclap Foundation to the school and gave a dental hygiene presentation to approximately 100 students.

"Today has been a very meaningful experience," said Commander Steve Hargatai. "It's nice to do something like this, especially when you see the children. It makes me feel good about myself and what I am doing."

Additionally, the CNE band performed for the school's faculty and students.

"I really think that the kids, more than anyone else, enjoy the music that we play," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Lucas Palowski, a band member. "They just think about the music and jumping around. They don't really think about any hardships they might be going through; just that they enjoy the music and they're having fun."

Headmaster Thomas Njonang thanked the service members for their contributions.

"I am so overwhelmed that I lack the words to express my gratitude towards the military members who came here today," said Njonang. "Since I have been headmaster, this is the first time that anyone has thought of assisting us, and it was the American military."

The 37-person Africa Sports Diplomacy team will spend eleven days touring three West African nations Cape Verde, Cameroon, and Gabon as part of the Africa Partnership Station in an effort to build understanding and develop goodwill through sports, music and community relations projects.