Enhancing HR Protection: Strategies and Solutions

The Plight of Education in Iraq

In a report by the World Bank on the state of education in Iraq, alarming statistics were presented regarding the awareness and comprehension levels of Iraqi students regarding the knowledge imparted to them. Students from various educational levels demonstrated significant weaknesses in skills and a blatant inability to understand what they read and learn. Nearly half of the students expressed, in a dismal manner, their inability to correctly answer a single question appropriate for their age and educational level, and half of those tested could not solve a single mathematical problem correctly. This report, along with other surveys and research that attempted to showcase the state of the educational process in Iraq, pointed to a shocking deficiency and failure in this system. It highlighted the urgent and pressing need to salvage what can be saved and prevent a complete collapse by establishing short- and medium-term plans to lift education in Iraq from the state of decline and degradation it has reached.

However, it seems that the prevailing pattern in addressing the educational process in Iraq is characterized by confusion and misguided attempts at correction, far removed from understanding the areas of error and dysfunction. These misguided interventions often lead to worsening conditions rather than correcting or avoiding mistakes. Thus, over a long history of the Iraqi state, sins and transgressions have accumulated, exacerbating the severity of decline and corruption. It has become exceedingly difficult and uncertain to repair what has reached the level of crimes committed against the entire educational process, which has reflected on other aspects of scientific, cultural, social, and economic life, even affecting the daily lives of the Iraqi people across all sectors, manifesting in ways that align with the objectives of extremist terrorist thought.

Despite the educational process moving towards new academic and educational relations with socialist countries to compensate for losses incurred due to strained relations with the West on various levels, including education-related scholarships and fellowships, it took many years to compensate for and overcome the losses and damages and to restore the Iraqi educational process to its soundness and methodology.

The damages resulting from that unwise action should have served as a lesson and a warning to those wishing for the educational process to be more robust, transparent, and effective, and to establish strict rules to halt any type of unstudied decisions that could affect the educational process, given their impact on the scientific and practical life of Iraq as a whole.

It can be said that at the beginning of the 1970s, one could easily observe qualitative transformations in various aspects of political, economic, and social life in Iraq. These rapid qualitative shifts indicated a strong desire within Iraqi society to acquire knowledge and obtain the latest technologies and expertise. However, these gains and achievements suffered a serious setback, and the momentum for acquiring more knowledge did not continue at the same pace; instead, it was channeled towards a military authoritarian project. Knowledge, expertise, and technology were diverted to build a military project and a vast arsenal, accompanied by the militarization of society. The final outcome of these actions was internal wars and aggression against neighbors in barbaric invasions that spread destruction and calamities. Iraq fell into a dangerous trap due to this distorted exploitation of modern sciences and technologies, ultimately leading to the destruction of cultural, scientific, and economic life.

The Iran-Iraq War marked a new turning point that had serious repercussions on the educational process, not only at the curriculum level but also extending to the overall educational atmosphere and the size of the teaching staff. This forced the authority to merge schools and reduce education to its lowest levels to meet what was termed the needs of the battle. Large numbers of university graduates and institute alumni were summoned for military service or were drafted into the Popular Army units that headed monthly to the fronts of combat, where significant numbers of them fell as victims of that criminal war. Additionally, some escaped or evaded military service, resulting in a significant shortage of teaching staff throughout Iraq.

It can be said that one of the major causes of the general destruction affecting the educational process lies at two intertwined points, which are the main reasons that spread the rot that has undermined the entire educational process. The first is the involvement of students in party work and the Popular Army divisions. Students were awarded additional grades based on the number of their participations in Popular Army divisions or the extent of their party activity in their area. These additional grades allowed them to excel over their peers who did not engage in military or political work. A student could also receive extra grades if a first-degree relative was killed on the battlefront or if they received a bravery medal.

Through this, many students, especially those in preparatory and secondary schools, managed to achieve high scores that enabled them to enter colleges for which their actual scores would not have allowed them even to dream of studying there or even obtaining a chance for training in preparatory institutes. A student with a very low graduation score could receive additional grades for participation in the Popular Army and for their involvement on the front lines, for receiving a bravery medal, and for additional grades for their family’s financial contributions to support the battle, and perhaps other grades for various reasons classified and arranged within the party and security institution that now oversaw everything in Iraq. Thus, this student could achieve a score exceeding 100%, making it impossible for any other score to compete with it. With this score, they could enter any college of their choice without objection or obstacles.

The other side of the disaster was represented by the power and authority of the oppressive decisions imposed in schools and universities by the party apparatus represented by the National Union of Students of Iraq. This party institution represented, by the end of the 1970s, the actual authority that imposed its conditions and will not only on students but also controlled the entire educational process, dictating decisions to the teaching bodies. Through reports submitted to the party apparatus and security institutions, there was intervention, even management, of the educational process. These reports were mostly praises for the cooperating professors, contributing to their advancement through the career ladder, or slanders and lies aimed at coercing those who refused to accept guardianship or who opposed party decisions. Many educators fell victim to these fabricated reports, facing various penalties such as imprisonment, dismissal, or transfer, and in some cases, even abduction and execution.

In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, the role of Human Resources (HR) is crucial in protecting both employees and the organization. This article explores the importance of HR protection and presents effective solutions to enhance workplace safety and compliance.

Importance of HR Protection

1. Employee Well-being: Ensuring a safe and supportive environment fosters employee satisfaction and productivity.

2. Legal Compliance: Adhering to labor laws and regulations minimizes legal risks and protects the organization from potential lawsuits.

3. Company Reputation: A strong HR protection framework enhances the company's image and attracts top talent.

Key Areas of HR Protection

1. Workplace Safety

- Implementing safety protocols and regular training.

- Conducting risk assessments to identify potential hazards.

2. Employee Rights

- Ensuring fair treatment and non-discrimination policies.

- Providing channels for reporting grievances confidentially.

3. Data Protection

- Safeguarding employee data through robust cybersecurity measures.

- Training staff on data privacy regulations.

Suggested Solutions

1. Regular Training Programs

- Develop ongoing training for employees on safety, harassment, and compliance issues.

- Use interactive methods to engage employees and reinforce learning.

2. Clear Policies and Procedures

- Create comprehensive HR policies that outline expectations and procedures for reporting issues.

- Ensure policies are easily accessible and regularly updated.

3. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

- Offer support services for mental health, legal advice, and financial counseling.

- Promote these resources to ensure employees are aware of available support.

4. Feedback Mechanisms

- Implement anonymous surveys to gather employee feedback on workplace safety and HR practices.

- Use feedback to make informed improvements.

5. Technology Solutions

- Utilize HR software for efficient tracking of compliance and employee data management.

- Leverage communication tools for transparent and timely dissemination of information.

Protecting employees and the organization is a multifaceted responsibility of HR. By implementing effective strategies and solutions, organizations can create a safer, more compliant, and supportive workplace environment.