Noor Al-Imam Al-Baqir Institute for the Blind begins new academic year in Dhi Qar

DHI QAR – The Noor Al-Imam Al-Baqir Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Nassiriya, Dhi Qar, has started its new academic year, offering education to 66 students from various levels, ranging from first grade to accelerated learning and literacy programs. The institute, which opened last year, is affiliated with the Imam Hussain Shrine and is the first of its kind in the governorate.

“Our institute is the first of its kind in the governorate, following the branches in Karbala and Baghdad, serving the visually impaired,” said Hadeel Tariq, the institute’s assistant director, to 964media. “We’ve received many registration requests from districts and subdistricts since the school year began, and enrollment is still open.”

The institute, recognized by the Ministries of Education and Higher Education, provides free services such as teaching staff, school supplies, and transportation. “We welcomed 66 students, ranging from first grade to the accelerated program and literacy stage, who are eager to continue their education,” Tariq added.

Mujtaba Al-Saeedi, a teacher with special needs, emphasized the importance of the institute in integrating people with disabilities into society. “The institute is a positive step toward integrating people with disabilities, encouraging them through dedicated attention and modern teaching methods used globally to convey concepts and knowledge,” he said.

Al-Saeedi, who is also a person with special needs, shared his perspective: “I can relate to the challenges these students face, and it has not prevented me from contributing as a teacher. This provides strong motivation for the students to pursue their dreams and education.” He also called on parents to support their children’s educational journeys, saying, “Education and achieving goals know no limits.”

Fatima Hisham, a second-year accelerated learning student, expressed her appreciation for the supportive environment. “The teaching staff is very cooperative with us. We receive the information through modern methods that make it easier for us to understand and learn as blind students,” she said. “I encourage all my peers to continue their studies and seize this opportunity.”

Safaa Sameer, another teacher at the institute, explained the use of Braille for reading and writing. “We follow the Braille method, where raised dots are felt by passing a finger over them. It’s a globally recognized approach. We start with the basics, from letters to writing techniques. Although there are challenges, persistence makes the process easier,” she said.

Sameer added that their work extends beyond school hours: “We stay in contact with the students even after they go home to ensure they complete their assignments and continue learning independently.”