Projects_School
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| Since November 2003, 450 boys attend the regular primary school, and 130 boys and girls go to school in the afternoon. They learn how to read and write, and get a professional education – and thereby the chance for a better future. |
In 1970, 74% of the Iraqi population age 15 and older was unable to read and write. In 1978, a national campaign was started to fight analphabetism. Target groups were juveniles, age 9 to 15, as well as young adults who were educated in so called adult schools.
Lessons took place in existing primary schools, in the afternoon. The students learned how to read, write, do arithmetic and hands on activities like sewing, carpentry, and welding. Each school had corresponding workshops.
Thanks to these activities analphabetism was lowered to 44 % until the year 2000.
During the last three years many of the adult schools could not operate due to lack of money: teachers did not receive salaries, tools and machinery were missing in the workshops, and buildings started to deteriorate. During the war all schools were closed. After the war the main focus was on opening the primary schools.
Up to now, most of the adult schools are still closed.
In Kadhimia – one of Baghdad’s poorest neighborhoods – we have renovated the Al-Kuraish primary school and reopened the corresponding adult school. Most of the families living in this area belong to the lowest income population; child labor is very common. Children work as shoe shiners, unskilled workers or in sweat shops to help support their families. Many of them never went to school. Without education there is no other alternative for them.
Besides renovating school buildings, APN provided necessary equipment and materials for classrooms and workshops as well as a basic supply of teaching aids. In addition, we distributed writing utensils, notebooks and winter clothes to each student.
With the support and cooperation of the principal of the school, we launched a »back to school« campaign. We informed families with fliers and posters.
Since November 2003, 450 boys attend the regular primary school, and 130 boys and girls go to school in the afternoon. They learn how to read and write, and get a professional education – and thereby the chance for a better future.
Before the war had started, 95 % of the students finished the Adult School with a degree and could find jobs as skilled workers or start as self-employed craftsmen.
Our engagement finds followers: three other primary schools in the near vicinity promote the Adult School model by offering afternoon classes.
Financing of the project: MCC – Mennonite Central Committee, Canada/USA
Execution of the project: APN Baghdad
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