Baneen’s experience in school

Basra, Iraq - Baneen, 12, is a Grade 6 student at Al Mustakbal Al Baher Primary School in Basra.  She was struggling in school, and her grades were slipping, especially in math.

“I faced difficulties in class,” recalled Baneen.  “I found myself falling behind.”

As Baneen could not keep up with her classmates, she felt lost and restless.

From failure to success

With funding from the European Union, UNICEF and UNESCO supported the Ministry of Education to roll out the education management information system (EMIS) in Basra.

The EMIS in Basra has been implemented since 2022. Schools in Basra completed their training in September of last year and started uploading students’ data.

To Baneen’s fortune, her school was one of the schools that benefitted from this programme. 

Al Mustakbal Al Baher Primary School received laptops, and a modem for Internet connection.  Teachers benefited from EMIS training as well.

The rollout of the EMIS at Al Mustakbal Al Baher Primary School enabled the school principal to identify gaps and make informed decisions.

“The EMIS helped us monitor the overall school’s performance and identify students who need specific support like Baneen,” said Ms. Sondus Taaobi, School Principal. 

“I asked Grade 6 teachers to give more attention to Baneen in class, especially in math,” added Ms. Taaobi.

As Baneen was receiving more support in the classroom, she started engaging more with her teachers as well as with her peers. The impact of the EMIS did not only advance Baneen’s school performance but also boosted her confidence.

Baneen’s grades kept on improving, making her very happy and satisfied.

“I am more confident in class, and I am progressing very well,” said Baneen. “Now, math has become my favourite subject in class.”

“I no longer worry about my math grades, and instead I can fully enjoy recess with my schoolmates,” added Baneen.

Baneen’s life was transformed to the point that she started taking leadership roles at school.

“Now, I participate in many extracurricular activities.,” said Baneen with a smile.

 Baneen was recently elected to head the student health committee in school. 

“Having my schoolmates’ vote of confidence made me dream of becoming a dentist in the future,” said Baneen with pride.  “I really want to take care of people’s teeth and help them maintain a beautiful smile.”

EMIS is now being implemented in eight governates in Iraq.  It aims at collecting up-to-date and reliable school data contributing to an inclusive and quality education for all girls and boys.

“I am so grateful to my teachers and school principal,” said Baneen.  “I could not have done it without their support and encouragement.”