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About Little Moon
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Years ago Iraq's education system was first rate and the envy of many countries in the region. But, as with all aspects of life in Iraq, three wars and decades of sanctions and isolation have clearly taken their toll. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Baghdad, which has seen not only intense fighting following the 2003 invasion, but in the aftermath wanton looting and a total lack of security also.
One institution that was struggling to survive in the chaos is the Little Moon Kindergarten. Located in the Adhamayah district of Baghdad the kindergarten fulfils a great need within the local community with well over 100 children attending. There is just one other government nursery in the region, and even here parents are reluctant to send their children due to security fears.
The kindergarten was identified by MH Iraq as being essential to the community but in a bad state and in need of refurbishment. The building and facilities were in a bad state but, most importantly, there were dedicated staff continuing to work under difficult conditions.
An It's My Project
Refurbishing the kindergarten turned out to be an excellent three way partnership between MH Iraq overseeing the project, Adhamayah Committee helping implement it and a UK youth organisation who took on the project as their own IMP.
The total cost of the refurbishment was £6,000 and this not only allowed repairs to the building and redecoration, but also fully equipped the kindergarten with air conditioning, learning materials and other essentials. The children were also treated to a one-off graduation party -- opportunities for celebration and joy are rare in Iraq these days.
Inspired by what had been achieved already, and as a teacher well aware of the importance of education and the right learning environment, a volunteer from London decided to get sponsored and raise money for the Little Moon Kindergarten.
Together with her sister she ran (and successfully completed!) the London Women's Challenge 5k run in September 2005. Alhamdulillah, getting sponsorship from friends and family and using the MH justgiving.com pages the pair exceeded their £1,000 target and raised over £1,100.
The project, another It's My Project, will provide the kindergarten with more furniture, toys and learning materials. These additions are actually much needed as following the refurbishment the kindergarten has continued to grow in popularity and has now almost doubled in size to over 200 children.
Pictures of the Kindergarten
