Islamic Relief’s convoy carrying school furniture and equipment has safely arrived in Baghdad. The convoy made its way from Aqaba, Jordan on the 12th of September, with its load of school desks, chairs, and tables for Iraqi children.

A total of 25 container loads of school equipment has been sent by Islamic Relief’s France office.

Schools in Need

Iraqi schools were once considered amongst the best in the Arab world, but they have been badly affected by war damage, looting and 12 years of economic sanctions. UNICEF reports 70 percent of schools are “in dire need of renovation and repair, and many of them pose health hazards to students."

The equipment will be used to furnish kindergartens and primary and secondary schools in Iraq - including schools which Islamic Relief is rehabilitating.

Repair and Restore

Islamic Relief has been rehabilitating primary schools in and around Baghdad. Repairs include fixing the sanitation facilities and water and electrical supplies, replacing ceiling fans and repainting damaged buildings.

Almost half of the population of Iraq are under the age of 18, and Islamic Relief’s support for the education sector comes at a critical time. Although schools officially re-opened in May, attendance rates have fallen to around 65 percent of pre-war levels. The violence and insecurity have left parents concerned for the safety of their children, especially girls.

Back to Normality

Returning children to their classrooms and playgrounds will help restore some sense of normality in the lives of Iraq’s children. For the general community it is also a sign of revival, providing hope for a better future.

Islamic Relief plans to continue repairing schools, and also provide learning resources for children who have lived through chaos, violence and uncertainty.

Distributions

Aid items that have recently been distributed include over 6,500 items of bedding. The bedding was distributed to hospitals and needy families across Baghdad, Diyala, Rawa and Kerbala.

Previous distributions included surgical instrument sets, an ultrasound machine, operating theatre table, defibrillator, ventilator, 20 tons of baby milk powder, and 500,000 water purification sachets. The medical aid was generously donated by Gift of the Givers Foundation, a South African charity.

Danger Zone

Although many NGOs have left Iraq due to the dangerous security conditions, Islamic Relief continues its work despite the risks. Our staff are dedicated to helping the Iraqi people through these difficult and dangerous times.