Feature: Chinese-built schools help fulfill dreams of Iraqi children

BAGHDAD, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- "We never expected to work in such a school," said Ammar Risan, headmaster of the al-Musahama Model School, a modern school recently constructed by the Chinese firm Zhenhua Oil in eastern Baghdad.

For students and teachers in the al-Kargholiyah district of Iraqi capital Baghdad, the dream of having a school with modern infrastructure had been out of reach.

"Previously, we were running a dilapidated school, a school in name only because it was about to collapse, which forced us to evacuate two classrooms," Risan recalled.

"The students suffered a lot during school hours in the dilapidated classrooms," he said. "But things have changed thanks to the efforts of the Chinese company that built this important project."

With 18 classrooms, six integrated laboratories, a football field and other advanced educational facilities, the al-Musahama Model School has made Risan and his students feel very proud.

Wissam Jawad, deputy director general of the 2nd Rusafa Education Directorate, said the school is "the first of its kind in this area in terms of construction speed, quality of work, and school equipment."

Sajjad Haider, a student in the second intermediate grade, feels that studying in such a modern school with well-equipped classrooms, cutting-edge laboratories, and ample sports facilities brings him closer to his aspiration for a bright future.

"We are grateful to the Chinese company for building this beautiful school that inspires us to achieve our dreams," Haider said.

Zahraa Hafidh, a chemistry teacher at the school, has also noticed that the improvement of the school's facilities has positively impacted students' learning outcomes.

"We have a well-equipped laboratory with all the essential tools, and as a result, the scientific proficiency of many students has significantly increased," Hafidh said.

Ma Cheng, the general manager of Chinese EBS Petroleum Company, a subsidiary of Zhenhua Oil, can still remember the first time he visited the old school campus.

"The cracked walls, dilapidated desks and chairs, and dim lighting broke our hearts," said Ma, whose child is the same age as the students there.

Ma said children are the future of the country, and education is the foundation for ensuring the sustainable development of nations.

According to data from the UN Children's Emergency Fund, about 3.2 million school-age children are currently out of school as a result of wars, violence, and the deterioration of the education system in Iraq.

By building more schools for the children, Ma said they hope to contribute to Iraq's reconstruction and facilitate the understanding between the Chinese and Iraqi peoples.