Australian funds boost girls’ education in southern Iraq
SYDNEY, 18 June 2010 – Eleven years old Aya and Fatima are close schoolmates and friends at Al Rabab primary school for girls in Kidhur district of Muthana governorate in southern Iraq. Their school’s water facilities and toilets were in such terrible condition that their quality of education was seriously affected.
“Water fountains and latrines at my school were in an appalling condition”, recalls fifth grader Aya Hussain. “Toilets were flushed with raw water flowing into the courtyard and the septic tank had no cover, inundating part of the school garden. The stench filled the school so much that we had to put handkerchiefs on our noses during school break”, adds Fatima Kadem Jaber.
“There was no way girls could drink water; they used to bring water in plastic bottles from home and use teachers' toilets” notes school principal, Ms. Amena Mizher.
Poor water and sanitation facilities is commonplace in hundreds of schools throughout Iraq. The impact often has serious consequences with the quality of learning significantly depreciating as a result of the dirty and unhygienic conditions, children becoming more vulnerable to contracting diseases which affects their school attendance, and even contributing to children dropping-out of school affecting their overall development.
“One might think refurbishing school toilets or water faucets is a minor job with a minor impact, but believe me it’s important and does contribute greatly to increasing girls school attendance” stresses Ms. Ameena.
After the Ministry of Education in Muthanna governorate requested UNICEF’s assistance to construct new water and sanitation facilities in three particularly rundown schools, with funds from the Government of Australia, UNICEF rehabilitated the water and sanitation facilities in: the Al-Rabab primary school for girls and Thawrat el Ishreen and Al-Tafawuk primary schools in Rumaitha district. Rehabilitation started in late 2009 and has recently been completed in May 2010.
Six toilet units, one septic tank and a fountain of ten water faucets have been rehabilitated and six water storage tanks have been installed and are functioning in each of the three schools. The 1,547 primary school students, 980 boys and 567 girls, that spend half of their time at these schools every day have benefitted.
“Now we are very happy for the new toilets constructed for us; we can wash our faces and hands during the break between the classes and after playing” states Aya.
Aya and Fatima walk to school and back home together, they study and play together. However, each of the them has a different dream. “I want to become a teacher in future to help educate young children and teach them reading and writing”, says Fatima. Aya has yet another plan; she wants to complete her studies and specialize in psychiatric medicine. With the improved water and sanitation conditions in their school they have a more friendly school environment from which to study and develop the skills necessary to realize their dreams.
In 2010, the Government of Australia is helping improve the lives of over 61,000 Iraqis by supporting UNICEF construct three major water networks that serve six villages as well as rehabilitating the water and sanitation infrastructure in five schools. Training is also being provided to 400 teachers to set up inclusive classrooms to allow 900 students with special needs have equal access to educational opportunities that will support them to reach their potential.
With a contribution of $10 million ($11.6) from Australia in 2010, UNICEF has also recently commenced a project to improve water and sanitation facilities in another 200 schools, which will ensure at least 100,000 primary school students have access to improved water and sanitation facilities in schools as well as adopt key hygiene practices. The project will also develop and implement a strategy to provide inclusive education to disabled children as a component of the National Education Strategy. Australia’s contributions are supporting the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals in Iraq, especially 100 per cent enrolment in primary school for all primary school-aged children and increasing the access in improved water sources to 91 per cent of the population from the current rate of 84 per cent.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
For more information, please contact:
Martin Thomas, UNICEF Australia
0401 332 399
mthomas@unicef.org.au
Martha Tattersall, UNICEF Australia
0421 570 393
mtattersall@unicef.org.au