Report by: Haidar Ahmed

One of the districts in Diyala governorate faces daily challenges in life alongside the dreams of young children.
The schools in this area suffer from a severe lack of tools and equipment necessary for educating students, also the classrooms lack scientific laboratories, and sports and artistic activities are almost non-existent. In this context, the Iraqi Red Crescent Society stepped in, determined to make a real difference in the lives of these children.

The IRCS has launched a unique program titled “The Child`s heart” supported by the German Red Cross. The goal of this initiative was to equip schools with laboratory materials, sports, and artistic tools to contribute to improving the educational and artistic standards and support athletic talents.

Where five elementary schools in the district of Baqubah, which lacked laboratory equipment and models to help students understand the material, were included in the program. Moreover, the art rooms lacked colors, brushes, and the dreams of children on paper, and the athletic potential had no opportunity to play in the school yards.

The modern laboratory tools and educational art materials were distributed, capturing the students’ attention and sparking their curiosity. New sports materials were provided, offering a platform for work and competition among the students, which helped foster team spirit and cooperation between them. These supplies were not just tools, but gateways to knowledge and creativity, the teachers were now able to conduct real scientific experiments and enhance students’ skills.

A few days after the program was implemented, a noticeable change appeared in one of the schools, which invited the IRCS for a visit. The school’s administration organized an art exhibition where students showcased their artistic creations. The paintings reflected their emotions and dreams, demonstrating how education can be a means of self-expression.

The success of the program was not limited to the artistic side, it positively affected the students’ academic performance due to the use of modern tools in explaining scientific subjects. According to the school principal’s follow-up observations, there were moments of awe when students were able to conduct scientific experiments on their own, which increased their love for science and opened up new horizons for them.

Additionally, new athletic talents among the students were discovered through internal sports competitions. Some students displayed remarkable skills in various games, becoming inspiring role models for their peers. This created a healthy competitive environment, motivating students to engage in sports and enhance their physical fitness.

This project has become a model to follow. It shows that willpower and cooperation can achieve tangible accomplishments that benefit the community, leaving a clear impact on the hearts of students, teachers, and parents. It stands as a symbol of hope and positive change, encouraging more initiatives that benefit future generations.

This success was not the result of individual achievements, but rather the embodiment of collective efforts. The Iraqi Red Crescent Society and the German Red Cross played a pivotal role in bringing about positive change in the lives of these children. The message of the program was clear: “Investing in children is investing in the future, and quality education illuminates the path for future generations.