Helping Iraq's Schools: Links and Information

Helping Iraqi Schools


About: Here you will find images, letters and updates about the conditions in the schools there and how efforts to help are working. You will also find up-to-date information on how to prepare and ship school supplies.

Iraqi Schools.com is a volunteer effort of citizens, based in St. Paul Minnesota, assisting soldiers in donating and distrubuting school supplies to the children of Iraq. The website includes pictures of the donations in Iraq, how to help, letters from Iraq and information on Iraqi Schools.

For Additional Information:

USAID: Assistance for Iraq - Education

Information, articles and accomplishments of USAID and the Department of Education to improve access to education for the people of Iraq. Some noted accomplishments include:
* More than 8.7 million math and science textbooks have been edited, printed, and distributed throughout Iraq.
* 55,000 teachers and administrators have been trained. By the end of the 2005-06 school year more than 120,000 educators will have received in-service training supported by USAID since 2004.
* 2,962 schools have been rehabilitated in full or in part since 2003.

October 2006:

Multi-National Force - Iraq - Soldiers providing power for schools

Local schools in the Karkh district of Baghdad receuved electric generators and other helpful supplies from Multi-National Division Soldiers, as part of a joint effort with Iraqi council members and police, who helped distribute the supplies. 75 generators were delivered to the district's educational headquaters, bringing electricity for use in 60 schools. Coalition Forces have also helped with other humanitarian missions to schools as well as repairing, and rebuilding schools destroyed in insurgent attacks.


February 2005:

Task Force Danger Soldiers help rebuild Balad schools

Task Force Danger soldiers in Paliwoda, Iraq have assisted in building four new schools and breaking ground on eight more schools. They have also helped in the distribution of school supplies. In addition, the construction and repair of schools has improved the local economy by offering jobs.
"The American troops are working with the Iraqi people to rebuild for the future of Iraq. They’re building a future that will perhaps help the future government of Iraq.", 1st Lt. Martin Rafter, 1st Battalion, 77th Armored Regiment Rafter. (Story by Pfc. Adam N. Phelps, 22nd MPAD)


May 14, 2005:

Soldiers construct seven schools

A joint effort of the Iraqi Ministry of Education and US Forces constructed seven new schools in southern Iraq.
"Any time you open up a school, you are putting the needs of the children up front, because it is about them and giving them a great place and a great opportunity to learn and grow and do great things for their country." Army Maj. Brian Stevens, a civil affairs officer of the 56th Brigade Combat Team. (Story by Portal Iraq)


August 2005:

Defense Department provides update on Iraq reconstruction progress

More than 1,800 schools have been repaired, and are ready for Iraqi school children to attend. In addition 43 schools have been apporved for funds for rennovation or repair including sanitary faciltities, electrical wiring, structural repair and mechanical repairs. Children have also receieved medical screenings in preparation for school.

October 18, 2003:

U.S. Bringing Education Back to Iraq

A speech by President Bush highlighting the advances of US Forces in restoring the educational system of Iraq. Under the rule of Saddam Hussein, the illiteracy rate in Iraq was an an estimated 61% for adult males and 77% for adult females, many teachers were unpaid and schools closed. Many schools that remain opened lacked educational materials (which was strictly censored) as well as structural needs such as windows, plumbing and electricity. President Bush makes a committment to the people of Iraq to support the advancement of their education as well as delivering needed vaccinations to students. Other accomplishments are noted in this speech.