PM Masrour Barzani reaffirms commitment to education sector

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for 15 new kindergartens and schools in the Khabat district of Erbil province, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening the region’s education sector despite ongoing challenges.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Barzani emphasized that the government has consistently prioritized education, even during periods of economic and health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Despite the problems and crises, we have always prioritized the education sector to the best of our ability. Even during the coronavirus pandemic, we did not allow the education process to stop. However, the development of the education sector requires further attention and investment,” Barzani stated.

The Prime Minister stressed the urgent need for more schools and enhanced educational resources to create a conducive learning environment.

"In order for our beloved students to study in a suitable environment, we need more schools and educational materials. Schools must be brought to a standard level," he said, calling for continued investment in the sector.

Barzani acknowledged the delays in developing education infrastructure, which he attributed to various pressures on the Kurdistan Region.

However, he praised the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Education and the private sector, which have led to significant progress in recent years.

“By the end of this year, 194 new schools will be built, and 1,670 schools will have been renovated,” he announced.

The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the private sector for its role in supporting public education.

"The foundation stone for these 15 schools today is laid with the assistance of the private sector, and it is appropriate to thank them for their contributions to public education," Barzani remarked.

In addition to addressing infrastructure, Barzani highlighted the government's recent actions to meet the demands of teachers.

"A month ago, we met with a group of teachers, listened to their demands, and announced that they would be employed on a contract basis. I am pleased to see that we have fulfilled this promise in less than a month,” the Prime Minister said.

He expressed his hopes for these teachers to continue their “sacred duty” in the future and thanked them for their perseverance during difficult times.

PM Barzani also addressed recent attempts to downplay the government’s achievements, stating that despite efforts to mislead public opinion, the KRG will continue to prioritize the interests of the Kurdish people.

“It is our duty to serve the Kurdish people, and we will continue to do so, without paying attention to hearsay. We put the interest of the Kurdistan people first,” Barzani declared.

In closing, the Prime Minister congratulated the investors involved in the school construction project, expressing hope that their efforts would inspire others to follow suit.

The full transcript of the Prime Minister address during the ceremony:

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Distinguished guests,

A very warm welcome to you all this morning.

It is my great pleasure to be here today to mark the groundbreaking ceremony for 15 schools in various parts of Erbil province. Over the past few years, despite numerous challenges and crises, we have consistently prioritized the education sector to the best of our abilities. Even during the most difficult circumstances, including the coronavirus pandemic, we ensured that the educational process continued uninterrupted through online and electronic learning platforms. However, we recognize that further progress in education demands greater attention and investment. Investing in human capital and the next generation is, after all, the most significant and rewarding investment we can make.

To provide our beloved students with a comfortable learning environment, we require additional schools and educational resources. Existing schools must also be modernized and brought up to standard. Regrettably, due to the recent situation in Kurdistan, the absence of a comprehensive plan, and various pressures on the region, a robust infrastructure for the education sector has not been established. Consequently, we have a substantial amount of work ahead to develop this vital sector.

In the past four years, both the Ministry of Education independently and in partnership with the private sector, have constructed dozens of schools and renovated thousands more. I understand from the Minister of Education that an additional 194 schools will be built by the end of this year, and 1670 schools will undergo renovations. The 15 schools whose foundations we are laying today are privately funded. We recently expressed our gratitude to those who have contributed to the construction of schools within the public education sector. It is fitting to extend our thanks to them once again today.

I would also like to emphasize that the Khabat region merits increased services. We have programs, plans, and projects in place for this region, and the selection of this location for today's groundbreaking ceremony underscores its importance.

Ladies and gentlemen, less than a month ago, we met with a group of teachers and listened attentively to their concerns. At that time, we announced their employment on a contract basis. I made a commitment then and instructed the relevant government bodies, the Ministry of Education, and the Office of the Council of Ministers to expedite the process of ending their contract status within a month. I am delighted to announce that we have fulfilled this promise in less than a month, and I trust that these teachers will be able to continue their noble profession as contract teachers.

I extend my sincere appreciation to all teachers who have demonstrated patience and perseverance. Despite facing numerous crises and life's challenges, they have continued to educate our cherished students. I wish them every success in their endeavors.

While this is an accomplishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the people of Kurdistan, we have observed attempts to mislead public opinion, either to diminish these achievements or attribute them to other parties. We will not be swayed by such rumors. Our responsibility is to serve the people of Kurdistan, and we will remain steadfast in this commitment. We will continue on this path, prioritizing the interests of the people of Kurdistan, regardless of external criticisms.

In closing, I wish to express my gratitude once more to all the investors who have collaborated and participated in this crucial project. Thank you all for your presence here today.

May you all be happy and successful, and may our Kurdistan flourish.

Updated.