Through supporting education for the next generation of Iraqis, SWIC is helping communities on the Nineveh Plains and Baghdad not just survive, but thrive. However, we face significant challenges that can only be solved with love and support from those of us outside the conflict area.
In 2011 Fr. Faiz Jerjees founded St. George’s School of the Redeemer (SOTR) kindergarten as the only interfaith, interdenominational, multi-ethnic and non-sectarian school of its kind in Baghdad. It became so popular with both Christian and Muslim students and parents that in 2014 they implored Faiz to expand SOTR through grade 6. They simply didn’t want their kids going anywhere else…
Fr. Faiz agreed and construction of a primary school building began in 2016. SWIC agreed to help fund desks, computers, and other necessities for the school. However, in 2017, Fr. Faiz reported that funding had stalled. The 1st floor for grades 1 and 2 would be unfinished and unable to open for the 2017 school year beginning in September without significant help. So SWIC mobilized and raised the $50,000 necessary to complete the 1st floor. The school opened on schedule. Today, the second floor for grades 3 and 4 is also open, and SWIC continues to raise funds to complete and outfit the building, provide uniforms, curricula, computers, STEM education resources, teacher supplies, and other educational materials.
Yes, I want to help educate an Iraqi child!
“Here [at SOTR] we teach not just language, not just Arabic or English; but we want to also [teach] them how to live together, how they can learn together, eat together and love each other. This is very important for the future in Iraq” said Canon Faiz Jerjes, parish priest of St George’s Anglican Church, Baghdad.
“SOTR offers a safe, tolerant, and diverse space for education from preschool to 6th grade The only requirement for enrollment: be a child. Children of all ethnic and religious backgrounds get to do what they do best, be kids.”
Stand With Iraqi Christians’ mission is founded on two essential Christian fundamentals: presence and listening. When Fr. Chris heard about St. Efram’s school up near Qaraqosh needing assistance, he went into action. First, a well was dug near the school. Then the equipment was purchased for the office so the school could resume operations. Now elementary students are able to learn in a safe environment. A mission team was able to visit the school in 2018 and see the children and teachers in the restored environment. One Iraqi said “Children are the hope of the world.”
