Buthaina Gains Confidence Writing on the Board

Buthaina these days proudly stands by the board to write. It is something she might have been fearful of doing in the past because she couldn’t recognise the Arabic alphabet and therefore could not read and write well. Despite being a very outgoing, sociable young child who loves life, school has been difficult. Buthaina is 10 years old and is in the fifth year of primary school. In the future, she would like to follow her sister’s path and become a doctor.

At school, she likes sports and plays soccer, especially as a striker.

Meanwhile, Islamic studies is the subject she excels in most. Buthaina likes to learn about praying and the holy Qur’an. Her favorite teachers are Emad and Basma because both treat her nicely. Buthaina said, “I didn’t know the alphabet, couldn’t spell them out, and I couldn’t read and write.”

However, earlier this year, Buthaina took part in catch-up sessions that World Vision Iraq implements in partnership with Japan Platform. Gradually, with the assistance of the teachers, her understanding of the Arabic alphabet and writing improved.

Despite her young age, Buthaina realises the importance of education for children and is well aware of the harsh realities many young girls her age face because of societal expectations and traditions. Buthaina reflected on the biggest problem girls face in Iraqi society, saying, “Parents say that girls should not read. Every girl should achieve their dreams, put in effort, and attain their wishes.”

Fortunately, Buthaina’s mother agrees, and encourages Buthaina to study to be financially independent in the future. Buthaina notices that many in her school struggle with mastering the English language. She said, “All students from all stages don’t know how to read English. I would like to ask if in the future you could also offer English courses.”

World Vision Iraq, with funding from Japan Platform, initiated the catch-up classes in 2022.  The Arabic catch up classes are extra after hour classes that help students master Arabic reading and writing, which in turn helps them to understand content in other subjects. This way it will increase the student's comprehension of several other subjects more easily.  Each catch up class endures for forty five minutes and World Vision Iraq offers two to three sessions a week for children aged seven to twelve.

Throughout these years, we have helped 720 children like Buthaina with their educational needs, giving them the opportunity to continue schooling, pass exams, and have a chance in life.