Report by: Haider Hatim

The primary schools in Iraq suffer from a significant shortage of educational tools, which are an essential part of the curricula. These tools are closely related to delivering information and ensuring students retain it.

In Al-Diwaniyah governorate, most schools lack these tools, which has led teachers to rely solely on theoretical methods and the personal efforts of some in providing whatever educational tools they could manage, often in very basic forms.

To support and enhance the information provided in the curricula, the Iraqi Red Crescent Society, with the support of the German Red Cross has distributed educational tools and visual aids to five schools in Al-Diwaniyah city, as well as to its districts and sub-districts.

Mr. Maher Mohammed Reda, the principal of Al-Zaytoon primary school, spoke, saying: “Previously, we only relied on theoretical methods to deliver information to the students, even though we have 522 students, now, we have important visual aids in the science lab and art room, in addition to everything we need for physical education lessons. Our students didn’t have colours or special boards, and we didn’t have any balls or recreational tools for them, so the playgrounds were empty, limited to simple morning exercises.”

The science teacher, Mrs. Janan Habib, mentioned that her science lab had a significant shortage, with no models of the human body or other organs. She used to draw some illustrations by hand to compensate for the deficiency. Now, she has educational charts, complete models, and a laptop to display whatever she needs. “I can confidently say that life has returned to the science lab,” she concluded.

Mr. Ahmed Taleb Hashim, youth coordinator in the Diwaniyah branch and Chairman of the distribution committee, stated that the joy on the faces of the teaching staff was enough to demonstrate the importance of these educational tools. “I have not found a single school where the staff didn’t express their delight and happiness. The materials are of high quality and from reputable sources, and they will significantly contribute to enhancing and solidifying the information for the students.”