Empowering Iraq's Future: Strengthening Education Through Human Rights and the Rule of Law

The World Bank and Education in Iraq: A Deficit in Schools and Only 4 Hours Per Day

The World Bank stated that more than 135,000 Iraqi students have benefited from programs aimed at developing the education sector in Iraq. These initiatives include building a large number of schools and enhancing teachers' skills. However, Iraq faces challenges, such as students sometimes receiving no more than 4 hours of education per day and a deficit of 10,000 school buildings.

According to a report published on the World Bank's website and translated by Shafaq News Agency, the bank supported the reconstruction of 26 schools in areas affected by previous conflicts in Iraq between 2020 and 2023, providing more than 10,000 students with new and advanced educational spaces.

The report highlighted that the bank implemented programs to develop an innovative training model, reaching over 5,000 teachers to enhance skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic, thereby building educational capacities. More than 135,000 Iraqi students benefited from these projects.

The World Bank financed the "Emergency Operation for Development Project" in Iraq, under which the Iraqi Ministry of Education built 26 schools between 2020 and 2023. This initiative provided more than 10,000 children with new learning spaces, developed the skills of 5,000 teachers, and offered psychosocial support using an innovative training model.

The report added that this new training program for teachers began implementation in 2023, covering eight governorates, and is currently being evaluated for potential expansion to the national level.

Additionally, the project assists the Ministry of Education in establishing a digital infrastructure and simplifying the process of collecting educational data, which will contribute to improved monitoring and evaluation of the education system.

The report noted that rebuilding schools helps students continue their education and supports returnees, including those at Al-Saeed School in Baghdad. It stated that years of conflict and disruption of service delivery have posed significant challenges for Iraq in providing quality education services to enhance learning and skill development. This has led to an educational crisis, with the World Bank estimating that a child born in Iraq today will achieve only about 41% of their potential productivity by adulthood.

The report continued by explaining that the significant deficit in educational infrastructure presents major challenges for the development of the education sector in Iraq. Due to the destruction caused by years of war and conflict, many schools have been forced to accommodate students from neighboring schools. As a result, many students attend schools according to a two- or three-shift system, leading to limited time allocated for education—sometimes only 4 hours per day—which affects their academic achievement.

The Iraqi Ministry of Education estimates that 10,000 additional school buildings are needed to address the infrastructure deficit and ensure all students have places to learn.

Furthermore, the report emphasized the need for better-equipped teaching staff to strengthen the education system and encourage improved learning among students. It noted that many teachers receive little pre-service and in-service training.

However, the report stated that the activities of the "Emergency Operation for Development Project" in Iraq represent a critical starting point for supporting the restoration of education services in war-affected and newly liberated areas. The project implemented three main activities:

1. Expanding educational infrastructure and providing more appropriate learning spaces for students. The project supported constructing and equipping 26 new schools on state-owned lands in eight out of 18 governorates.

2. Supporting the Ministry of Education in developing and implementing an innovative model for teacher training, initially involving 95 master trainers who later trained over 5,000 teachers.

3. Assisting the Ministry of Education in developing its digital infrastructure and education information system to enhance educational planning, monitoring, and evaluation at the central level.

Additionally, the project helped establish a digital infrastructure within the Ministry of Education to improve monitoring and evaluation in the education sector.

The World Bank contributed $35 million to the education framework as part of a $750 million loan allocated to the "Emergency Operation for Development Project," in partnership with UNICEF and UNESCO.

The report concluded by stating that "Iraq needs much greater investments and broader support to develop education for all children." It noted that Iraq recently approved a new education sector strategy for 2022-2031, which includes ambitious goals to enhance access to education and improve its quality for all children. The World Bank is supporting the Iraqi government in implementing this national education sector strategy to improve learning outcomes in the coming years.

Rule of Law (ROL) Perspective

1. Legal Framework for Education: Strengthening the legal framework governing education is crucial. This includes ensuring that laws related to compulsory education are enforced and that educational rights are protected. Implementing policies that guarantee equal access to education for all children, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status, is essential.

2. Accountability and Governance: Establish transparent systems for accountability within the education sector. This involves monitoring the allocation and use of resources, ensuring that funds are used effectively to build schools and train teachers. Establishing independent bodies to oversee educational reforms can help maintain integrity and transparency.

Human Rights (HR) Perspective

1. Right to Education: Education is a fundamental human right. Efforts should be made to ensure that all children have access to quality education. This includes addressing barriers such as poverty, displacement, and discrimination that prevent children from attending school.

2. Inclusive Education: Promote inclusive education policies that accommodate children with disabilities and those from marginalized communities. This can involve training teachers to handle diverse classrooms and ensuring that school facilities are accessible to all students.

### Suggested Solutions

1. Infrastructure Development: Prioritize building and renovating schools, especially in conflict-affected areas. Public-private partnerships can be explored to accelerate infrastructure development.

2. Teacher Training Programs: Expand teacher training programs to improve the quality of education. Focus on continuous professional development and provide incentives for teachers working in challenging environments.

3. Community Engagement: Involve local communities in educational planning and decision-making processes. This can help tailor educational initiatives to meet the specific needs of different regions and promote community ownership of schools.

4. Technology Integration: Leverage technology to enhance learning opportunities, especially in remote areas. Implement e-learning platforms and digital resources to supplement traditional teaching methods.

5. Policy Reforms: Advocate for policy reforms that align with international standards on education and human rights. Collaborate with international organizations to implement best practices and secure funding for educational projects.

6. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish robust monitoring and evaluation systems to assess the impact of educational programs and reforms. Use data-driven approaches to identify gaps and make informed decisions.

By addressing these aspects from both ROL and HR perspectives, Iraq can work towards overcoming its educational challenges and ensuring that all children have access to quality education.