Rebuilding the Future: Strengthening Education in Iraq.

“The main challenge we face is the large number of students compared to the limited number of teachers,” said Mohammed Kamel, 56, a teacher at Al-Ansma School in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Years of conflict left Iraq with a severe shortage of teachers. Many lost their lives, while others were forced to change careers to support their families. This shortage placed a heavy psychological and physical burden on those who remain in classrooms, educators like Mohammed, who continue to dedicate themselves fully to their students. “It is very hard to give each student the attention they need in such crowded classes,” he added.

To support teachers like Mohammed, People in Need continues to strengthen the education system in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq through a project funded by Education Cannot Wait (ECW), in partnership with Save the Children, INTERSOS, and Rwanga Foundation.

Over the past four years, the project has supported students, teachers, and schools through a wide range of initiatives. For teachers, capacity-building trainings introduced new, more engaging teaching methods. “The training improved teachers’ skills in applying new teaching methods,” said Mohammed Kamel.

For students, remedial classes were provided during both the school year and summer breaks, helping them strengthen their learning and continue their education with confidence. School kits containing essential study materials were distributed, and psycho-social support sessions were held to help children overcome the trauma and stress caused by years of instability. “The remedial lessons helped students strengthen their learning and move forward in their education,” Mohammed added.

The project also invested in improving the school environment, building shelters to protect students from the rain, connecting water to gardens, installing coolers, providing cleaning materials for water tanks, and distributing backpacks and school supplies.

“The students have benefited from the organisation’s project in many ways, including improvements to the school building itself,” said Aswar, a father and member of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Formed by People in Need, the PTA serves as a bridge between families and schools, fostering collaboration and community engagement. “The PTA plays a major role in understanding and supporting children,” said Aswar, who has been active in raising awareness about climate change, environmental protection, and educational topics.

Our efforts in supporting schools across Iraq are, at their core, a tribute to the teachers and students who never gave up on learning, even in the hardest of times. Their determination embodies Iraq’s path toward renewal.

“My dream is to become an engineer. I plan to achieve this by being hardworking, determined, and following my lessons every day. The project activities helped me a lot by increasing my knowledge in these subjects,” concluded Khalid, a student at the school, a voice of hope for the future of Iraq is rebuilding, one classroom at a time.