Iraqi Parliament Commission to Develop Strategy for Regions with Low Literacy Rates

BAGHDAD, Iraq — BAGHDAD — Iraq's parliament Education Committee announced plans to develop a comprehensive strategy addressing areas where literacy rates exceed 22 percent, with Muthanna, Nineveh, and Maysan provinces among those requiring intervention. Committee member Zahra al-Hajami described the low literacy rates as a serious challenge for social and economic development, citing rising school dropout rates, difficult economic conditions and inadequate education infrastructure as contributing factors. Fellow committee member Zeliha al-Yas listed poverty, weak education services in rural areas, shortages of school buildings and teachers, early marriage of girls, and tribal customs among the primary causes. General census data showed the proportion of the population with primary school education remained at 30.21 percent. Literacy rates recorded included 22.10 percent in Muthanna, 22.02 percent in Nineveh, and 21.64 percent in Maysan. The committee called on the government to allocate sufficient resources to reduce illiteracy and reintegrate students who have dropped out of school into the education system.