CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – St. Efram Elementary happily took a break from their school day to welcome and entertain some unexpected visitors.
Soldiers from Contingency Operating Base Basra were greeted by a chorus of little voices singing the Iraqi National Anthem when they surprised the children with school supplies, treats and even guitars Oct. 22. The kindergartners were also eager to make the American Soldiers feel at home by performing a couple of classics in English: “Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes” as well as the English alphabet.
The Soldiers were surprised to discover that this was no ordinary elementary school.
Acting Bishop of Basra Bishop Imad Al Banna explained the two schools sponsored by the Chaldean Church are the only kindergartens in the country to combine children of mixed religions in one learning environment. “They are the future and hope of Iraq,” Al Banna said of the children. “It’s very important that they grow together with peace, love and good ideas.”
By learning together, children of mixed religions and backgrounds set the groundwork for a generation that is more accepting of its own cultural differences.
“When you teach children together they learn to become one nation,” said Al Banna. “They learn more about their country and culture and become united. They learn to love and serve by love and not war.”
As Iraq continues to develop and progress in spite of decades of oppression, violence and religious conflict, Al Banna points out there is more to building a nation than material endeavors.
“We now understand how to build bridges and hospitals. Now we need to understand how to build the human,” added Al Banna.
St. Efram accomplishes this by introducing its culturally diverse students to a variety of subjects, including art, math, science, music, English, Arabic and other languages.
The mixed-gender classes include children from Muslim, Christian and Sabean families. Many former students have gone on to pursue college-educated careers, such as medicine and engineering. They got their start at St. Efram Kindergarten, and now their children are following in their footsteps. “When they get out, they always have higher grades because they begin their education early,” said Al Banna.
Although enrollment is high, St. Efram lacks the classrooms and staff to accommodate all who apply. This year, 250 families wanted to register their children, but the school could only admit 165 students. The other school, Albeshera, has 190 students.
There are many impoverished families in the area who cannot afford to pay tuition, but because some families are able to pay more, the community and church can provide needy children with the opportunity for an early education.
Al Banna believes “one child’s smile is worth millions.” As the children poured out of classrooms onto the playground, laughing and showing Soldiers and their teachers what they got in their care packages, the Basra community suddenly became very rich.
“In the future, when these children know someone cared for them, they will care for others,” Al Banna said. “It will build the love.”
