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As the school year ends, Iraqi students shout "Freedom!" not in celebration, but in relief. According to Kurdistan Teachers’ Union (KTU) President Abdulwahed Mohammad Haje, this cry reveals the deep-seated issues within the country's education system, where outdated facilities and lack of resources stifle the dreams and potential of young minds.

When the school year ends, the jubilant cries of "Freedom! Freedom!" echo through the halls of Iraqi schools. But this is not a celebration of academic achievement. Instead, it is a sigh of relief from a system that often fails its students, Haje explains.

Unwelcoming environments

The physical state of many Iraqi schools is disheartening. Haje elaborates: “Classrooms should inspire learning, not drain motivation. Sadly, most school buildings are old and poorly maintained — broken doors and windows, dirty walls, poor ventilation. It’s hard to feel inspired in such surroundings.”

He adds, “Flowers, trees, and gardens may seem minor, but they have a big psychological effect. They calm the mind, spark imagination, and give students a sense of peace. Yet in over 90% of schools, there are no gardens, just dry, cracked ground and lifeless yards.”

Lack of essential facilities

Sports facilities, crucial for student motivation and mental well-being, are often missing. This deprives students of one of the most joyful aspects of school life. As Haje emphasizes: “Sports are not just physical activities — they are essential for student motivation and mental well-being. The absence of proper play areas or sports leaves students emotionally drained.”

Basic services like clean drinking water, functioning restrooms, and janitorial care are also frequently overlooked, with some schools lacking even the most fundamental amenities. “Some schools barely provide these services. In fact, many students today attend schools that do not even have drinking water, “the KTU leader says.

Stifled creativity and limited opportunities

Many students possess talents beyond traditional subjects, yet the absence of labs, art rooms, and music spaces means these talents remains dormant. The lack of field trips and extracurricular activities further limits students' experiences, reducing their learning journey to mere classroom lectures.

Haje notes: “Many students crave chances to draw, play instruments, experiment, and express themselves. But most schools have no facilities for these creative outlets. — leaving those talents unrecognized and undeveloped.”

He goes on acknowledging that “students are not robots, there to absorb lectures and follow orders. They need experiences beyond the classroom. Even a simple trip to a museum, a historical site, a sports center, a health clinic, or a local business can make a big difference in their learning journey and mental refreshment.”

A system in dire need of reform

Haje concludes that the root of these issues lies in the government's neglect of the education sector: “The real problem is that the government still treats education as a low priority, with no serious strategic plans for reform. While some private investors and organizations have made contributions, these efforts are limited and often politically motivated. They have done little to change the student experience or restore trust in schools.”

The cry of "Freedom!" from Iraqi students is a poignant reminder of the urgent need for educational reform. It is a call to action for the government and society to prioritize education and create an environment where students can thrive and realize their full potential.