Winning Hearts & Minds - January 2009

Building a football pitch for local kids
A newly constructed playing field for the children of a village near Basra, built with the help of soldiers from 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (1 YORKS), was opened this week with a local football tournament.
MoD: British soldiers provide Iraqi kids with sports field

Repairing a bridge over the Shatt al-Arab
The Royal Engineers, from 29 Armoured Engineer Squadron, part of 35 Engineer Regiment, worked tirelessly to repair wear-and-tear damage, which had been caused by constant use, to some of the steel plates that make up the bridge.
MoD: Sappers repair Basra bridge

Improving healthcare in Helmand
The UK-led Provincial Reconstruction Team in Helmand, comprising of military and civilian personnel, has helped plan and implement a Health Support Programme throughout the province over the last year.
MoD: Improving health access in Helmand

Getting UK kids on the right tracks
Run by a mix of ex-Service personnel and serving soldiers, Military Preparation Colleges are helping teenage boys and girls from difficult backgrounds get back on the straight and narrow
MoD: Getting kids on the right tracks - the Army way

Bringing seed stock to Helmand's farmers
Soldiers from 1st Battalion The Rifles (1 RIFLES) have been helping the Afghan Security Forces ensure that 3,200 tonnes of wheat seed have reached thousands of farmers across Helmand province.
MoD: Rifles help bring seed to Helmand farmers