Educational Support for Children in Iraq

The Student’s Impression

A twelfth grade student from one the school’s JEN renovated expressed his sincere gratitude towards JEN. He stated that some students used to go the bathroom outside in soiled areas because the school’s restroom facilities were squalid, and now that they are newly renovated, he would like to work with JEN to keep his school clean. The headmaster was also thankful and was impressed by JEN’s work in Diyala in cooperation with the Department of Education. With summer coming soon, JEN donated fans to the schools to combat the scorching heat. The students were thankful for their new fans as well. JEN will continue to work on renovating schools and their WASH facilities so that children can be safe and comfortable at school.

Iraqi 2014 Elections

After the multinational force’s liberation of Iraq over threw Saddam Hussein’s government in 2003, they also installed a temporary administration that represented all of Iraq’s population. The January 2005 elections to begin writing the constitution were also the first free and fair elections in Iraq’s history. Since then, the voter turnout has become 51% of the population who is eligible to vote. The most recent elections, which took place on April 30^th, 2014, were to determine a new Parliament and government for the next four years. The streets of Baghdad were covered with campaign posters of the different candidates; sometimes food items contained campaign ads too! Other politicians reached out to the poor and provided free meals and called them “The Gift of Dr./ Mr. ________.” Another candidate claimed that he is to earn a seat in Parliament by order of the Prophet Muhammad. The parliamentary elections this year were filled with competitive candidates and campaigning.

Need Survey

A need survey points out the strengths and weaknesses of a facility and is considered a major part of an NGO’s policy. It is also the very first step of JEN’s projects. After visiting the facilities, such as schools and health centers, JEN created a database to ensure proper health conditions at each location. The survey provides proper training to the individuals in these facilities to help maintain personal and environmental hygiene. Today in Iraq, children attend very crowded schools where there is a lack of health and educational support. The need survey allows us to solve issues by finding the root problems. JEN utilizes two surveys; one is the need survey and the other is the monitoring survey. As previously stated, the need survey is issued before renovation and uses questions to estimate the health environments of individuals. The monitoring survey takes place after a facility has been renovated to assess the completion of a project. JEN uses these surveys to continue creating effective and impactful projects.

Booklet on hygiene for primary school students

JEN is working with the Iraqi Ministry of Education to create a short cartoon story to inform students about the importance of hygiene. The story contains a plot and throughout it, a set of instructions and tips on how to maintain personal hygiene. This will raise general awareness of personal health and environmental hygiene. Through the students, the messages we are trying to convey will be passed on to their parents. Simple text and colorful drawings by professionals will attract the young students. The booklet will also encourage students to listen to their teachers when they explain hygiene in school. Several meetings have already been held to ensure the best story for the students.