Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah, Iraq- One of the best areas that members of the coalition can make a real difference
is in helping average citizens in Iraq learn literacy skills, the ability to read and write. Recently, one hundred women graduated from a new Adult literacy course held at the Al – Sharquia secondary school for Girls in the Karadah security district of East Baghdad.
These women graduated on December 4th, and this was a joyous occasion that was well attended by family members, the graduates themselves, and other members of the Iraqi government and community. It is the first of what is hoped to be many successive classes of adults that are being instructed in literacy and how to read and write.
“This is a huge positive first step for the Iraqi government to help their people grow in literacy and in the overall economic growth in Karadah district,” said Captain Sean O’Brien.
“The next logical step is to help these newly literate citizens to find good jobs, and to employ them,” said Captain O’Brien.
One positive step in this first class of adult women gaining literacy is that many in the first class were Iraqi widows, and this will help them out of being largely disadvantaged. “Our graduates that are widows will be able to use their new skills to take civil service exams and become successful government workers,” said Hadeel Adel.
Hadeel Adel is an Iraq non government representative and women’s assistance advocate.
