Development of the Partnership between Germany and Iraq
The realisation of these schools was a result of a partnership between Germany and Iraq under the leadership of the founder, Hak Hussain. This partnership was developed through close contacts with German government officials, including the German Ambassador, Mr. Carl Georg Christian Berger, and a 30-member delegation. The delegation spent seven days in Berlin and Munich, taking the opportunity to study the German education system and standards.
An excursion with 15 Iraqi students to Germany strengthened the cultural connection and understanding between the two nations. These personal encounters and collaborations laid the foundation for the ambitious project of establishing German schools in Iraq.
Project Details
The selection of school locations was done carefully, considering six key locations: Baghdad, Basra, Babylon, Nissan, Nasiriya, and Kut. These locations were chosen due to their populations of over one million people to ensure that the schools provide maximum educational benefit to the regions.
The architecture and infrastructure of the schools were carefully designed. Taking into account 29 architectural designs, the German schools in Basra and Babylon were constructed, incorporating local elements and traditions into their architecture. The schools cover an area of over 3,000 square meters, providing space for 30 classrooms and over 3,500 students. In addition to regular subjects, students are offered opportunities to learn in areas such as technology, natural sciences, religion, sports, and the arts.
Educational Approaches and Community Engagement
The schools employ innovative educational approaches and methods, including specialised educational counseling and support from a trained psychologist. This ensures that students are not only academically but also emotionally and socially supported.
The local community in Iraq was actively involved in the project, and the schools have already had a significant impact on the surrounding communities. Requests from neighboring communities in need of schools are a testament to the added value of these educational institutions.
Partnerships and collaborations with the Iraqi Ministry of Education and local competitions in sports and the arts have been developed to enrich the educational experience of the students.
“Building German schools in Iraq is not just about education; it is about creating a vital link between our nations. Education is the key to overcoming borders and misunderstandings, and German schools in Iraq exemplify the transformative power of knowledge to change the world.”
Alaa Abdul Majid Hussain Al-Hashimi
Former Iraqi Ambassador, Germany