Iraqi prime minister inaugurates 790 Model Schools

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani inaugurated 790 model schools across various governorates via video conference on Saturday. These schools are part of the 1,000-school project implemented under the China-Iraq framework agreement. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Education.

In his address, Prime Minister Al-Sudani commended all contributors to this achievement, particularly the engineering team of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers. He emphasized that the 1,000-school project, designed with modern, model-based designs, is a pivotal initiative undertaken by successive governments to alleviate issues of overcrowding and the prevalence of triple-shift schooling. The remaining 210 schools are expected to be completed within two months.

“When this government assumed responsibility, the project’s completion rate was only 18%,” al-Sudani noted. “We prioritized this initiative within the education sector, ensuring its execution to high standards and equitable geographic distribution.” He reiterated the government’s commitment to completing all school infrastructure projects.”

Schools across Iraq face severe challenges, ranging from deteriorating infrastructure to overcrowded classrooms. Many school buildings, constructed decades ago, are poorly maintained and in dire need of renovation. Basic facilities such as clean water, functional bathrooms, and reliable electricity are often lacking. Overcrowding is widespread, with multiple schools sharing the same building in double or even triple shifts, significantly limiting instructional time and reducing the quality of education.

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister announced that contracts for the construction of an additional 400 schools in Baghdad and other provinces would soon be signed under the Iraq Development Fund. These schools will be built and maintained by the private sector throughout the contract duration. This initiative aims to address the significant shortfall of over 8,000 schools nationwide. Al-Sudani also highlighted ongoing efforts to develop teaching and administrative staff as part of the government’s program to enhance the education sector.

The Iraq Development Fund is a governmental initiative established to drive sustainable economic growth and social advancement in Iraq. Its primary objectives include fostering innovation, building partnerships, and implementing impactful projects to improve the investment environment, diversify economic resources, and address societal challenges.