Iraqi detainees offered educational, vocational and religious programs

Photo By Spc. Michael May | A juvenile detainee solves a math problem on a white board during a class at the Dar al-Hikmah juvenile education center in western Baghdad. The juvenile education center is one of the educational programs provided to detainees in the care and custody of coalition forces. Detainee students receive a basic core curriculum of Arabic, civics, history, science, geography and math in an attempt to make them successful citizens who resist outside extremist influences upon their release.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

01.21.2008

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Force Iraq Public Affairs

BAGHDAD —Multi-National Forces-Iraq provides multiple opportunities for more than 24,000 detainees in their care and custody to participate in educational, vocational and religious programs while detained in Theater Internment Facilities in Iraq.

Upon arrival at the TIF, detainees are evaluated to determine their educational and training levels, work experience and work interests, and religious alignment. The evaluation provides a better understanding of the individuals in detention and their potential for inclusion in detainee reintegration programs.

The evaluation process consistently reveals that many detainees have had little or no education, are under-employed and have only a basic understanding of their Islamic faith. The programs are designed to address deficiencies in these areas and work to disengage detainees from violence.

The educational programs offered to detainees were developed in coordination with the Iraqi Ministry of Education and consist of six core subjects: Arabic, English, Math, Science, Civics and Geography. The school is taught in concert with hired teaching professionals and volunteer detainees. The number of participants in the program has increased steadily.

Vocational programs are offered to provide detainees with job training and skill development to increase their chances of being successful in the Iraqi workplace. Detainees are offered training in carpentry, welding and ceramics. The hope is that individuals leaving detention, with marketable skills for sufficient employment, will be detered from participating in anti-coalition forces activities for financial reasons.

In-processing evaluations also indicate many detainees have only a basic understanding of their faith and were influenced by charismatic extremists. Volunteer religious discussions are offered to provide more in-depth study of the Quran and its application to daily life. The religious discussions are led by moderate Iraqi Islamic Imams and scholars who prepare the detainees to resist false teachings of radical extremist leaders.

Educational, vocational and religious programs help equip detainees to re-enter Iraq society as productive and educated individuals. With their new found skills and understanding, former detainees can contribute to a brighter, safe and secure future for the Iraqi people.

There are more than 24,000 detainees in the care and custody of coalition forces at two locations – Camp Cropper in western Baghdad and Camp Bucca in southern Iraq.

• Date Taken: 01.21.2008
• Date Posted: 01.21.2008 07:37
• Story ID: 15601
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ