Officials worry about decline in Iraqi school attendance

The Iraqi Ministry of Education says it expects at least a 15% drop in school attendance compared to previous years. Parents have blamed the government for the poor protection of their children and many have opted to keep them at home. Sectarian violence, lack of basic utilities as well as teacher shortages are plaguing the educational system. “We have enhanced policing at the school gates of most schools but families are still scared to send their children to school. This might seriously affect their future,” she added. “I don’t blame them for trying to protect their children but we have to start changing the actual situation of violence by teaching pupils how to build a better Iraq,” said Leila Abdallah, a senior official at the Ministry of Education. Read more at IRIN News.