Beyond Failures: Lawand's Reconnection to Education

Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, 28 March 2024 - Lawand, an 18-year-old originally from the Bazian area in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, and now residing in the Raparin area, grappled with substantial academic challenges. When he failed both grades 7 and 8, he was excluded from his conventional school. Fortunately, the Back-to-Learning campaign, led by the Ministry of Education in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, with support from UNICEF, and funded by the United States Government and Germany through KfW Development Bank, paved the way for his transition to an evening school.

A New Beginning

Lawand's story took a positive turn when a team from the Directorate of Education visited his home as part of the door-to-door Back-to-Learning campaign led by UNICEF. Their intervention not only supported Lawand but also facilitated his enrollment in a new school – Mateen Elementary School for Boys, where he joined the 8th grade.

Despite the difficulties he faced, Lawand's determination was fueled by the unwavering support of his mother, a sociology teacher. Her encouragement became a driving force, pushing Lawand to complete Grade 9 and pursue further studies, particularly in a sports department institute.

"Embracing the journey back to school, I've found profound happiness,” he says. “Witnessing friends progressing while I stood still, battling both bullying and harsh words, I persevered. Today, I stand triumphant, grateful for the opportunity to complete my studies and secure a meaningful job. My wish for all is to stay the course, face challenges head-on, and never succumb to the difficulties that may arise on their education journey."

Mateen Elementary School for Boys, established in 2010, serves students aged 16 to 45 who encounter challenges such as continuous failure, dropping out, or financial constraints. Nawzad Othman, the school principal, shed light on the positive impact of the Back-to-Learning campaign. The initiative not only led to an increase in student registrations but also raised awareness among families about the importance of education.

Nawzad emphasized the school's commitment to supporting students facing diverse challenges. He shared success stories of individuals who graduated from the school since its establishment, highlighting the dedication and vision often exhibited by students supported by UNICEF.

In Lawand's personal journey and the broader context of Mateen Elementary School, this story highlights the transformative power of education, the crucial role of support structures, and the positive impact of initiatives like UNICEF's Back-to-Learning campaign in providing second chances for education.