UNESCO, with newly received funding, will continue to support MoE in enhancing distance learning opportunities in response to COVID-19

Baghdad: Minister of Education, Mr. Ali Hamid Al-Dulaimi, met with UNESCO Representative to Iraq, Mr. Paolo Fontani, to discuss increased cooperation with the Ministry of Education (MoE). UNESCO is already assisting MoE in: Education in Emergency, TVET, Improving Access to Education for out of school children, school rehabilitation, as well as in the development of its National Education Strategy.

UNESCO has recently been assisting the MoE in its COVID-19 response such as support for MoE’s education TV channel.

Facing challenges due to the COVID-19 crisis, His Excellency expressed MoE’s critical need in improving e-learning infrastructure in Iraq, capacity development of teachers to manage and support children in e-learning, and also supporting those who do not have access to e-learning. UNESCO is ready to provide children and teachers with tablets with learning contents in the northern areas of Iraq, which will be accompanied by the necessary training.

Mr. Fontani expressed his readiness to continue to cooperate with MoE to respond to priority needs. His Excellency and Mr. Fontani also agreed on the possibility of convening a forum to discuss the National Education Strategy, involving major players in the field of education in Iraq.