No
More
Barriers
We believe that all children have a right to learn in a safe environment, without fear of violence, without discrimination, without limitations.
Education
In Iraq, 3.2 million children are in need of educational assistance as a result of armed conflict. In some governorates, 90% of school-age children are left out of the education system (UNICEF).
IDP and returnee children are especially vulnerable and the closure of many IDPs camps has only aggravated this vulnerability. It is estimated that nearly 50% of IDP children have acute education needs. Education gaps remain, specifically when it comes to girls and children with disabilities in remote areas.
Additionally, the education system in Iraq is still lacking funding, and there is a shortage of skilled teachers, learning materials and basic furniture and supplies. Around 460,000 children also lack civil documents which prevent them from enrolling in schools.
At Mercy Hands, we believe educating children is a vital investment towards a good future for Iraq.
Moreover, education is especially important for girls, and is the key to avoiding child marriage. Keeping girls in school, and out of marriage, is a a key foundation to our work at Mercy Hands.
Currently, we are working in Basra in collaboration with Eduba Center to provide ICT and coding training for girls aged 12-13, including those with disabilities. At the end of the training the girls will sit certification training, qualifying them as Microsoft Office Associates.
Additionally, Mercy Hands is an active participant in the Iraq Civil Society Education Forum (ICSEF), an ongoing platform for NGOs and civil society organizations focused on strengthening Iraq’s education sector.
Mercy Hands remains committed to the belief that all children have a right to learn in a safe environment, without fear of violence, without discrimination, without limitations.
