Nokia and UNICEF partner to support for Iraq's Schoolchildren

Schools in Iraq have become increasingly important as a refuge for children and a place to protect and nurture their potential. However, many of Iraq's schools are in a critical condition after years of conflict and neglect.

"We see this project as a beacon of hope for the local community," said Haisam Jamal, General Manager - Levant." Nokia is committed to being socially active in all the communities where it is present and this project is a good example of Nokia's strong and long term commitment to the Iraqi population. We are confident that this project will have an important and positive impact on students' lives and help them build a better future for themselves, their families and their communities. We are proud of our collaboration with UNICEF and would like to thank Nokia local partners in Iraq, Delta, I2, Mabco and Watani telecom, who have supported us and contributed actively to make this project happen."

This initiative will operate in two of the poorest areas in southern Iraq and the northern Kurdish region to create schools that are safe, bright and stimulating environments for children to receive a quality education.

"Iraqi children need safe and welcoming schools to reduce the impact of conflict on their education," said Mette Nordstrand, UNICEF Chief of Education for Iraq. "Experience tells us that simply restoring a damaged school can transform a child's experience of learning and renew their sense of purpose. Nokia is providing a much-needed boost to this important work."

Nokia shares UNICEF's vision that a school is the heart of any community and education the best foundation for a child's future. Micheline Ntiru, Head of Community Involvement for Middle East and Africa expressed Nokia's enthusiasm for this initiative "We are proud to partner on such an important effort to support Iraq's schoolchildren during these difficult times, and remove some of the challenges they face. We believe these investments will pay rich dividends for children's lives and for future generations."

The project will be implemented in Erbil and Wasit Governorates, which have been prioritized for education support by the Ministry of Education.

A total of 4 schools Erbil and 4 in Wasit will be rehabilitated. A total of 106 classrooms in these schools will be reconstructed and equipped with new furniture. New and additional 11 classrooms will be built to accommodate additional 770 students in two shifts. In addition to that, 5 new halls will be built in 5 schools to be used for library and Parent/teachers functions. The rehabilitated schools will have functional drinking water, adequate sanitation facilities, and playgrounds and bounded by appropriate surrounding walls ensuring privacy and protection for the children. To complement this effort and raise these schools to UNICEF Child-Friendly Standards, essential learning and teaching materials will be provided to students and teachers in these schools. Finally, UNICEF will train teachers and students and mobilize parent/Teacher Associations (PTA) to encourage community ownership of these schools.

A total of 6.500 students and 300 teachers will benefit from this project. The project will also encourage the parents of the children and the overall community of these schools. The project will also create 7,200 workdays employment for local laborers.

The project will enable more children to access learning and improve retention rates, especially for girls, create a child-friendly school environment and improve quality learning and teaching tools which will lead to creating a safe and stimulating school environment.