Literacy centers in Najaf’s Al-Mishkhab district see resurgence

NAJAF – Literacy centers in Al-Mishkhab district, Najaf, are experiencing a resurgence in attendance after a period of decline following the withdrawal of support from UNICEF. The centers had initially attracted many students due to stipends offered as part of a UNICEF initiative, but enrollment dropped when the project was transferred to Iraq’s Ministry of Education, and the stipends were halted. Now, attendance is rising again as the centers reopen their doors to those eager to return to education.

Al-Mishkhab is home to three literacy centers: Qabas, which serves women, and Taj Al-Din and Samarra, which are for male students aged 15 and older. The Samarra Center, established in 2012, was the first literacy center in the city and became a model for other centers in the district and Najaf province.

These centers offer a structured curriculum designed to help students earn their primary school certificates, equivalent to the sixth-grade level, through lessons and exams.

Baha Majid, director of the Taj Al-Din Center, emphasized that graduates can continue their education in evening classes, covering middle school and even university levels, with approval from the Ministry of Education.

Muslim Al-Haidari, director of the Samarra Center, explained that the center was part of a broader initiative by UNICEF to eradicate illiteracy across Iraq. He noted that the introduction of stipends significantly increased enrollment. “After the stipends were halted, the number of students decreased, and the management of the project was transferred to the Ministry of Education. Since then, we have been working to attract students through media campaigns, social media, and personal connections,” Al-Haidari told 964media.

Strict laws in Iraq require individuals, particularly government employees, to hold at least a primary school certificate, making the literacy programs vital for the local population.

Bahaa Majid confirmed that the Taj Al-Din Center offers four educational stages, covering all levels of primary school. “After completing their primary education, students can continue their studies through evening programs up to the university level,” he said.

Amjad Talib, a current student, shared his story with 964media. He attends the literacy program alongside his two brothers. His older brother completed the program and secured a job, while his younger brother is still studying. Amjad plans to earn his sixth-grade certificate this year. “Many young people are unable to read or write due to work or life circumstances, especially those in manual labor. I advise everyone to enroll, despite their busy schedules, and dedicate at least one hour a day to studying,” he said.

Similar initiatives are underway across Iraq. In September, the Directorate of Education in Diyala launched a program led by volunteer teachers in districts such as Khalis, Jalawla, and Baqubah to improve literacy and comprehension skills. This is part of a broader effort to address concerns about declining literacy rates, especially following the shift to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2023, on International Literacy Day, Iraq’s Ministry of Oil launched a literacy initiative offering preparatory courses to help oil sector workers improve their reading and writing skills. The Zhedere Institute in Duhok’s Batifa district has been offering free literacy courses for women and girls, with last year’s program benefiting 80 women from the area. This year, the program has resumed with even higher anticipated participation.