Empowering Education in Northern Iraq: Innovation, Support, and Climate Awareness
Published: Jan 27, 2025 Reading time: 3 minutesIn Iraq, education remains a cornerstone of the nation’s recovery and development. Despite significant daily efforts, there is an ongoing need for robust support to rebuild the educational system, a key driver for progress in the country. To address this critical need with extensive experience in education worldwide and Iraq, People in Need has implemented a transformative project with the generous funding of the Czech Development Agency (CZDA).
This initiative focuses on supporting schools in Northern Iraq, empowering them to deliver enhanced educational services to students while addressing the country’s most pressing challenges. Among these challenges is the urgent impact of climate change which adds a significant layer of complexity to Iraq’s development goals.
As part of the project, we hosted a milestone event in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, bringing together key educational stakeholders to launch an innovative environmental game, Hana. This game was subsequently introduced in schools, seamlessly combining education and entertainment. By engaging young students with the themes of climate change and sustainable practices, Hana raises awareness about local environmental challenges and promotes behaviors that benefit both the community and the planet. This engaging, interactive approach to learning enhances students’ focus and retention, fostering a deeper connection to the material. Alongside the game, we have launched greening campaigns in the supported school and taught the students how to take care of the new green spaces.
Our commitment to educational excellence extends beyond innovative learning tools. Drawing from years of expertise in the education sector, we conducted extensive training sessions for personnel from the Directorate of Education and the Ministry of Education in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. These sessions addressed daily operational challenges, equipping educators with practical solutions to elevate the quality of education in the region.
To ensure comprehensive support, our project also targeted student performance and well-being. Remedial classes were provided for key subjects in the summer (Kurdish-Sorani) language. The objective was to support the integration of refugees and IDPs into the host community’s Kurdish schools. Additionally, psychosocial support sessions were offered, fostering friendships, resilience, and mental well-being among students.
Recognizing the financial challenges faced by local families, we distributed student kits containing essential study materials, including backpacks, notebooks, pens, and more.
Teachers, as pivotal figures in the education process, received comprehensive support through tailored training sessions, teaching kits, and the donation of smart screens. These resources have transformed classrooms into interactive learning environments, ensuring sustained student engagement and facilitating effective teaching practices.
This project would not have been possible without the generous support of the Czech Development Agency. Their funding has been instrumental in advancing education in Northern Iraq, empowering students, teachers, and the broader community to overcome challenges and build a brighter future.
For more information, please contact:
In the Czech Republic: Tomáš Kocian, People in Need’s Regional Director for the Middle East
☎ +420 777 787 970, ✉ tomas.kocian@peopleinneed.net
In the Middle East: Katarina Komenská, People in Need’s Country Director for Iraq
☎ +420 606 062 298, ✉ katarina.komenska@peopleinneed.net,
