In the southern part of Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, a two-story modern building stands out from its surroundings. “This Hope School, built by a Chinese company, is the first modern model school in the Rusafa district,” says School Principal Amal Laysan proudly.
The school is named Zhinhua Hope School. The story here begins with a letter.
In late 2018, local education authorities received a handwritten letter from Gusan Shiya, the principal of a local primary school. “Our school was established in 1961, but the building is very old and can no longer meet the educational needs. Students have had to travel long distances to neighboring areas…” In his letter, Shiya requested assistance from the education department to construct a new school building. However, for the education department, solving this issue was not an easy task. The letter eventually reached Zhinhua Petroleum Holding Company (Zhinhua Petroleum), which operates in the oil fields of eastern Iraq, in 2018.
With the support of local authorities, a new school building funded by Zhinhua Petroleum was officially opened in September of this year. The school building covers an area of about 10,000 square meters and includes 18 classrooms equipped with smart teaching tools, 6 fully equipped laboratories, as well as all necessary supporting facilities, such as a multifunctional hall, library, and football field. In order to honor the generous help of the Chinese friends, the school was named Zhinhua Hope School.
After moving to Zhinhua Hope School, the academic performance of 8th-grade student Sajjad Haydar has consistently improved. “Previously, our class had 60 students, and during the hot summer, we had to squeeze into a small classroom. Most of the windows were broken, leaving only iron bars. Going to school felt like being in prison.” However, now, going to school has become the happiest part of Haydar’s day. Principal Laysan keeps a photo from the opening day of Zhinhua Hope School. In the photo, everyone’s face is filled with joy, while Laysan secretly wipes away a tear. “Our old school building was actually a danger, and I prayed every day that the classrooms wouldn’t collapse. I never imagined my students would be able to study in such a modern, clean school!” she said, adding, “Zhinhua Hope School is not only a model modern school but also a testament to the deep friendship between Iraq and China.”
With the advancement of the high-quality “Belt and Road Initiative” between China and Iraq, the Iraqi people increasingly feel how the help and friendship provided by China has changed their lives.