“Let Us Learn” project to support needs of over 1,100 children in IDP camps and vulnerable children in Iraq

“We ran away for fear of our lives,” relates Shaha, a 24-year-old mother, recalling what her family endured when they left their village of Sinjar. “We were not able to bring anything except what we were wearing. For 10 days, we survived on the kindness of people along the way who gave us food and water,” she added. Of the more than 2 million people displaced by recent violence in Iraq, 1,500 families now find shelter in Bersive 1 and 2 camps of the Zakho District in Duhok Governorate of Iraq Kurdistan.

Reports estimate that at least 274,000 of the displaced in Iraq are under 18 and among them 47,300 are under 5.

Reports estimate that at least 274,000 of the displaced in Iraq are under 18 and among them 47,300 are under 5. In additional to basic survival, children who have been displaced are in dire need of psychosocial support and educational opportunities. 

World Vision is working to meet some of their needs through a newly established “Let Us Learn” Project, an emergency education and protection initiative for the displaced children in Iraq’s Duhok Governorate. The project will be set-up two child-friendly spaces (CFS) located in Bersive 1 and 2 camps. 

Each CFS and will be equipped with facilities like heating and toilets to make learning comfortable for children. The CFS will serve both children displaced by violence as well as vulnerable children from Duhok City. The groups of children for each session will be mixed to provide children the opportunity to know each other’s culture and sensitivities. The “Let us Learn” project will also support a centre for vulnerable children and IDPs in Duhok City, in partnership with the Directorate of Labour and Social Affairs.

“We need a school for the children to learn and have a good future,” said Shaha, a mother.

“We need a school for the children to learn and have a good future,” said Shaha, noting that many of the children in the camp have been orphaned by the fighting in their town. “Our houses were destroyed by the bombs and four of my cousins were abducted. We have no more news what happened to them. Even all our things got taken away from us,” she added, noting her family’s need for warm clothes and electric heaters for the winter season.

“The work has just started and a lot still needs to be done,” said Celine Lefebvre, World Vision’s Education in Emergencies Programme Manager. “In addition to the construction work [we need to hire] 55 staff, composed of IDPs who will run this project. We are hoping that the CFS will give children the opportunity to continue learning, help them forget the horrors of the fighting and restore [a sense of] normalcy in their lives,” she added, noting that World Vision plans to partner with other organizations to improve the strength and sustainability of the project.

“[The project] also aims to help children who drop out of school and encourage them to learn again. Apart from this, the structure can also be used as a community centre where people can come together and connect for any activity that will help build unity and understanding,” she added. As this bridge is built, the project can pave the way for the IDPs to get involved with their children’s education and ensure their protection and well-being.