Launch of ITALEEM Programme: Strengthening Equitable Quality Education in Iraq

Mr. Ibrahim Al Juboori, Minister of Education, expressed gratitude to the EU, UNESCO, and UNICEF for their commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality education for all learners in Iraq. He

Today, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the European Union (EU), UNESCO, and UNICEF, unveiled the ITALEEM equitable quality education programme. This transformative initiative aims to bolster the capacity of the Ministry of Education, benefiting over 100,000 teachers and 30,000 schools across Iraq.

Minister of Education's Appreciation

Mr. Ibrahim Al Juboori, Minister of Education, expressed gratitude to the EU, UNESCO, and UNICEF for their commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality education for all learners in Iraq. He highlighted the programme's significance in advancing the quality of education and reaching over 10 million students.

EU Ambassador's Perspective

Mr. Thomas Seiler, the European Union Ambassador to the Republic of Iraq, emphasized the transformative impact of the ITALEEM programme, describing it as an investment in Iraq's future. He outlined four key pillars of the programme, including leveraging technology, fostering partnerships, equipping teachers, and engaging civil society, to unlock the full potential of Iraq's education system.

Programme Objectives

The joint EU, UNESCO, and UNICEF programme aims to:

Enhance governance and management policies of the Ministry of Education.

Improve school capacity to deliver quality inclusive education.

Build teachers' capacity for quality teaching and learning.

Enable civil society organizations to engage effectively in the education system.

UNESCO's Commitment

Paolo Fontani, UNESCO Representative in Iraq, emphasized the importance of evidence-based educational planning, continuous professional development for teachers, and integration of educational technologies. UNESCO is dedicated to supporting the nationwide implementation of the education management information system and executing the ministry’s Capacity Development Plan.

UNICEF's Perspective

Sandra Lattouf, UNICEF Representative in Iraq, highlighted the significance of investing in quality inclusive education to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4. She emphasized that strengthening the education system is vital for Iraq's transition from humanitarian aid to long-term development.

The launch of the ITALEEM programme underscores a collective commitment to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all students in Iraq. By investing in education, Iraq aims to secure a brighter future for its children and accelerate progress towards sustainable development goals.