UNICEF: Iraqi children celebrate their return to school

AMMAN, Jordan, 9 October 2007— The first day back at school for students at Baghdad's Al-Amal Primary School is a reason to celebrate. Children squeal with excitement as they see old friends. The playground, so bare and empty over the summer holidays, has filled with colour and sound.

Last year was one of the most difficult in recent memory for for students here. Lessons were cut short by violence. Many teachers left. Classrooms and washrooms fell into disrepair and water was cut off. But this year, students and teachers have reason to hope.

While conditions facing many Iraqi students are still grave, help arrived over the summer. UNICEF has sponsored a school restoration programme, through a special Integrated Community-Based Initiative for Children, which aims to rebuild Iraq's essential community services.

"Every child in school is a victory for Iraqi families," says UNICEF Iraq Chief of Education, Learning and Development Mette Nordstrand. "With so much uncertainly around them, a well-functioning classroom is their best source of hope".

To read the full story, visit: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/iraq_41145.html

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• UNICEF
• Iraq
• schools
• education