EU Naval Force - Somalia
Operation ATALANTA

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Sailors from Italian warship, ITS Euro, which has been deployed with Operation Atalanta off the coast of Somalia since the end of March, took time during a recent stopover in Djibouti to visit a local school, Notre-Dame de Boulaos, and meet the children who study there.

The school is in the heart of the city, and is a safe refuge for many children.  The Italian sailors took food, medicine and stationery to the school and spent the day meeting the children and the staff who are dedicated to their care.

During their port visits in the Horn of Africa region, sailors from Operation Atalanta warships regularly visit local schools and orphanages to take toys and medicine for the children.  Many of the sailors also volunteer their time when off watch to carry out maintenance on the school buildings that are run by local charities.