Annual report of 2022
Children Bringing Change CBC
Annual report
2022
Annual report of 2022
1. Meeting with the Ministry of Education February 2022
Within the framework of deepening services and increasing the volume of cooperation with the Iraqi Ministry of Education, the members of the Children Making Change Organization visited: Mrs. Wendy Sharp, Dr. Hassan Al-Alaq, Dr. Mohanad Sarai Atab, Dr. Anas Al-Obaidi, Dr. Israa Ali Al-Nuaimi, Professor Ali Al-Qaisi, Dr. Maan Baloula, Ministry of Education, and they met with Dr. Falah Al-Qaisi, Deputy Minister of Education for Administrative Affairs, and Dr. Adel AlBusaisi, Deputy Minister of Education for Academic Affairs. Also present at the meeting was Dr. Riyad Al-Omari, Director General of Curricula in the Ministry. In this context, Dr. Falah Al-Qaisi expressed the readiness of the Ministry of Education to cooperate in order to raise the educational level and develop the intellectual capabilities of children in deepening their knowledge of their glorious history and historical achievements. In addition, the head of the organization has explained her plan to draw a framework for joint cooperation between the ministry and the association.
Annual report of 2022
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2. Meeting of the members of the association with the IBBC
The meeting of the members of the association with the IBBC via the Zoom electronic platform to discuss the mechanism of cooperation between the two parties.
Annual report of 2022
3. Al-Kafaat Private Secondary School for Girls
The first Iraqi school to work with our association officially as part of its training program for teaching staff.
It is worth noting that all members of the school had the desire and motivation to voluntarily help with members of the Children's Association make a change.
Within the association's training program, the second school was chosen for experimental work with the association.
In this context, there was a wide discussion regarding the maintenance of the mental health of the child and its vital role for the health of children in Iraq.
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Annual report of 2022
4. Meeting with the administrative staff of Maarif Baghdad International School
Among the association's activities and meetings in Baghdad, where the members of the Children's Association, Make Change met with the administrative staff of Maarif Baghdad International School and discussed the mechanism of joint cooperation between the two parties.
Annual report of 2022
6. Meeting with Wasit University, headed by Dr. Mazen AlHasani
Wasit University, headed by Dr. Mazen Al-Hasani, took the initiative to provide ways of cooperation with the Children Make Change Association, as it had a pioneering role in agreeing to host the first introductory program that will be held in the next third month.
Annual report of 2022
7. Signing a business partnership
A joint work document was signed with four different parties, namely:
Wasit University / Dr. Mazen Al-Husseini,
Wasit Governorate / Mr. Rashid Al-Badri,
Wasit Governorate Education Directorate / Dr. Ahmed Al-Atabi
Wasit Museum Director / Professor Faisal
Kids Make Change / Ms. Wendy Sharp
This came in order to create a unique educational and training program of its kind in Iraq, which will be applied in Wasit first, and then the experience will be transferred to other provinces.
Annual report of 2022
8. Meeting with the Ministry of Culture March 2022
It was a great honor for the members of the Children Make Change Organization to meet the Undersecretary of the Minister of Culture, Dr. Nofal Abu Ragheef, and it was agreed to work together on our project "Partnerships for Creative Learning".
The meeting was attended by Dr. Mazen Al-Hassani, President of Wasit University.... Dr. Ali Mahdi, Assistant to the President of the University for Administrative Affairs.... Dr. Hassan Al-Alaq, former cultural attache in the United Kingdom... Ms. Wendy Sharp, President of the Society, Dr. Muhannad Al-Atabi, Secretary of the Society.. Dr. Maan Samir from the University of Mosul, responsible for the membership department, Dr. Israa Ali Al-Nuaimi from the University of Technology, responsible for the media department in the association... and Dr. Abbas Abd Mandil, assistant director general of antiquities.
We also spoke to the Director of Iraqi Museums and again got a huge commitment
to work together on behalf of the children of Iraq.
Annual report of 2022
9. Meeting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The conclusion of the association's activities last week was with the honor of meeting its members with the Undersecretary of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Saleh Hussein Al-Tamimi, and it was agreed to work together on our project "Partnerships for Creative Learning". Dr. Al-Tamimi expressed the Ministry's
Annual report of 2022
readiness to extend ways of cooperation and support to the Society in its current program.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Mazen Al-Hassani, President of Wasit University.... Dr. Ali Mahdi, Assistant to the President for Administrative Affairs.. Dr. Wael.. Dr. Hassan Al-Alaq, the former cultural attaché in the United Kingdom... Mrs. Wendy Sharp, President of the Society, Dr. Muhannad Al-Atabi, Secretary The association... Dr. Maan Samir from the University of Mosul, responsible for the membership department, Dr. Israa Ali Al-Nuaimi from the University of Technology, responsible for the media department in the association.
Annual report of 2022
10. Reverse culture shock March 2022
Since one of the CBC messages is to look after Iraqi children, we received a lot of reports about problems facing children who were in the UK and came back home after their parents finished their study abroad. Children face a shock in the culture while communicating their peers in shools and other social places, in addion to the different style of teaching in Iraq and different rules. These obstacles led to a kind of culture shock for these children and noticeably, it continued for months or years, which affected the nebtal health and the performance in schools.
This has led the CBC Board of Trustees to think about dealing with this problem, and after discussion, they end up by suggesting a series of online psychological sessions delivered by a specialist for children having a culture shock to help them to solve, or minimize the negative effect on their life.
Therefore, The CBC, in collaboration with the Network of Iraqi Alumni from UK Universities, started to announce sessions about “Reverse Culture Shock” for children via websites and social media. The idea was well received by parents, and the sessions were very popular. Unfortunately, due to the limited capacity of each sessions, registered kids were arranged in a queue to be enrolled.
The sessions started in April 2022 on a weekly regular bsee, Delivered by Mrs. Wendy sharp, the current chair of the CBC, assisted by both Dr. Israa ….. and Dr. Jallawe. Kids were divided into categories according to their age to provide the atmosphere for them to raise their problems.
All sessions were kept confidential for the kids privacy, ie. No audients were accepted. According to the relevant reports raised by Mrs. Sharp and her assistants, kids were happy to discuss their problems and listen to each other, and to the instructor, who provided them with suggestions to deal with their problems.
By following up the outcome of this project with kids and their parents, it has been found that a significant improvement has been obtained on the level of kid’s performance in the school and the society, which positively reflects on their mental health.
We hope that we can continue with this project this year to expand the number of children.
Annual report of 2022
11. Planning meeting with Andrew Parkin from Great North Museum
A Wonderful productive planning meeting with Andrew Parkin from Great North Museum looking at the schedule for our Iraqi Delegates arriving in April for their intensive training.
We were also looking at who our key partners coming on this visit need to meet in Newcastle to make this a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange. Great North Museum are impressive in their partnership work with the University, schools, community and other organizations. Their interactive collections and accessibility are as you can see below outstanding. This is why CBC are proudly working with them.
Annual report of 2022
A wonderful meeting with Andrew Parkin, Dr Sally Waite and Dr Ulrike Thomas, looking at our training for “Project based learning” within the museum.
Annual report of 2022
Had a wonderful meeting with Andrew Parkin looking at our training for “Project based learning” within the museum. Dr Sally Waite and Dr Ulrike Thomas have produced the most amazing training manual. I want us to produce our own for the schools and teachers in Iraq. ,Dr Ali Mahdi Mutlag, Dr Muhaned Alataby, Hiba Ali,
Vian Alomary. I want Wasit University and our Team to produce quality training materials like these.
As a charity we are working in cooperation with each partner in each Province, starting with Wasit. Wasit is very important as our pilot province however our team know we have every intention of working with all provinces. No area will be left out of our plan. We have some wonderful connections to lots of universities, teachers and fantastic academics in Iraq. I've had huge privilege to meeting many of you as you know.
Annual report of 2022
12. Together our ability is huge!!!
13. Meeting with Mr Muhammad Jaafar Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr, Ambassador of the Iraq Embassy in London
We had the huge privilege and honour of meeting Mr Muhammad Jaafar Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr, Ambassador of the Iraq Embassy in London. We discussed our CBC projects and the Ambassador gave us huge support. He offered assistance to continue our work and wants to be regularly updated.
It was a true blessing to have this enthusiasm and agreement.
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Annual report of 2022
14. Meeting with Dr Ghassan Saddawi, Dr Ahmed Khalid and Alaudeen Alnasseri at the Iraqi Embassy in London
We had a great meeting with Dr Ghassan Saddawi, Dr Ahmed Khalid and Alaudeen Alnasseri at the Iraqi Embassy in London. Today has been so positive for a huge amounts of reasons. The support for CBC is fantastic.
Annual report of 2022
15. Iraqi Trainers in the UK. July 2022
It is of great pleasure to welcome our Delegates today, arriving at Heathrow and making their way to Newcastle.
Our course “Partnerships for creative learning and Emotional well-being “ starts officially tomorrow for an intensive week. We have a wonderful group of people attending.
Annual report of 2022
The first training day
We had the huge privilege of starting our training in the Great North Museum lead by our expert Andrew Parkin. Quickly it became clear the important role the museum has in being part of the education of children. We could practically see the valuable support and resource they offer our schools.
We witnessed children learning about ancient Greece asking an expert in-depth meaningful questions, showing a huge level of understanding and applied knowledge. Half of the group witnessed a school group learning about ancient Egypt and mummification and the children taking part in reenacting the process.
There was a large number of schools all on learning visits in the museum and truly having interactive creative learning.
Annual report 012022 IVh•r8dt4oir 4-VAWpr¢i¥A4w Truly Inspirational visit and learning walk.
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It was the biggest privilege to visit the outstanding Central Walker School and speak to Joint Headteacher Dawn Day, her deputy and Alison the school's pastoral lead. This school has children emotional well-being at the top of their priorities. The school has the highest teaching standards coupled with an extraordinary level of care
for every child. Despite many challenges this school proves that with good leadership and expertly trained motivated staff the impossible is achieved. This school is like a light house for it's children and actually for our charity a light house for setting the standard we want for the children of iraq.
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Annual report of 2022
Reflective Session of Day 1
So proud of this team, they learned, questioned, discussed, observed and shared their individual findings on this intensive day. These are very smart people quickly accessing and motivated to learn. Huge pleasure working with them.
Training day2 in Newcastle University
It was a honour to be taught by Professor David Leat and Dr Alison Whelan. They are our UK experts on Community curriculum and the benefits for children and education. This is a total new concept for our trainers and gave them so much to think about. We came away with detailed instructions to apply once back in iraq and will be supported and lead by Andrew Parkin Great North Museum and Professor David and Dr Alison.
Annual report of 2022
It is so essential to have these partnerships and guidance in implementing something so revolutionary in lraq.
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Day 2
Great North Museum’s engagement programme
Today Andrew Parkin showed us the displays in the museum that are created and designed by children as part of their school programme. The message given to
children is incredibly empowering and powerful. The young people get the opportunity to work with leading academics, artists, and designers. The presentation of their work is of the highest standard again valuing their contribution. We are so looking forward to seeing this kind of collaboration happening in iraq.
Annual report of 2022
Lecture with the learning officer and team
We had a lecture by Dr Kate Holden scientist, researcher, lecturer and now programme developer/coordinator for the full learning programme within the Museum. She matches the Museum learning with the curriculum and also teaches CPD to the teachers.
Her colleague Charlotte Qxbutrry is a qualified teacher using her skills and knowledge to provide resources and lesson plans within the Museum for teachers and schools.
It was inspiring to see this kind of high quality organized programme in place for the local schools and community .
Annual report of 2022
Partnerships for creative learning
Day 3
Today the amazing Scotswood community garden welcomed our trainers to their outstanding provision for schools, children and the community. Harriet explained how they support schools with the National curriculum covering Science, geography and history.
Annual report of 2022
The children visit and learn in a fun, exciting, interactive way. They also run forest schools and train teachers. The forest schools are outdoor learning with a focus on emotional well-being, building confidence and self esteem, for some children this extra support is vital to enable them to access learning within the school environment. We have lots of research about the effectiveness of learning outdoors, in nature and creatively. This provision does all of this and so much more. I have huge respect for Karen and Harriet and their inspirational work in an area that is socially and economically deprived. Their skill, knowledge and expertise are remarkable. They are involved in research with Newcastle University.
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Annual report of 2022
Day 4
It was a huge privilege to have our second lecture in Newcastle University. We listened to Head of Archaeology Dr Mark Jackson on the Gertrude Bell archives. We heard about their impressive work and the huge possibility of collaborative work between us. For our Iraqi delegates this was so exciting.
It’s these partnerships that really make an impact on children’s learning and comes with an empowering positive message to our young people.
Annual report of 2022
Truly special day with inspiring lady Rena Guttridge
We have never personally met any of our inspirational developers that have created a therapeutic strategy for children and for our schools except for this inspiring lady Rena Guttridge (my mentor). We have the huge pleasure of teaching her therapeutic intervention to our wonderful Iraqi teachers. So nice for once that these Iraqi teachers are learning a strategy that the UK teachers are currently being taught now!!. This is so important to Iraq as this is amazingly effective with Trauma, abuse, bullying and
Annual report of 2022
ACE’s ( adverse child's experience) . Iraqi children need experiences practitioners like Rena to develop techniques so they have the opportunity to release their trauma allowing them physically and emotionally to go on and live successful lives. We will Support these teachers once back in Iraq and I know Rena and our school support
lead Linsay Chesworth will be keen to track and document this work.
The 5 Awakenings Sequence is an important tool needed in helping children and adults. Whilst we can explain it to children in a very simple way, it's so clever, working on levels that are profound and transformational.
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Annual report of 2022
Training session
Supporting students with their emotional well-being within schools by Vicki Mckeown
Vicki from VLM Therapy gave the most fantastic training session to our Iraqi teachers on spotting dysregulation in children, how to practically support students, De-escalation strategies and blocks to learning. Vicki is an exceptional psychotherapeutic counsellor, trained social worker and specialist working with schools /young people within the North East. The quality of her work is exceptional and I personally know of her fantastic work with teenagers. This master class was so beneficial for our teachers.
They learned so much from this knowledgable expert. I can't thank her enough for highlighting the importance of emotional well-being as a foundation block to learning and life.
Annual report of 2022
Practical strategies for children delivered by Dr Bob Bruce, clinical psychologist.
Dr Bob delivered training to our Iraqi teachers using a range of effective yet simple interventions teachers can use at school. The teachers were impressed to be given a practical tool kit alongside extra understanding and knowledge. Dr Bob will support our teachers once back in Iraq. We are so grateful to him.
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Annual report of 2022
17. A trip to the local museum to learn about the Ancient Civilisation of Mesopotamia, July 2022
It's with great happiness I can show you what took place 27 July 2022. Following our training course in the UK supported by Andy Parkin Newcastle’s Great North Museum, Burhan Alsaray manager for Wasit Museum, and teachers from Wasit province took their children for a day trip to the local museum to learn about the
Ancient Civilisation of Mesopotamia. I'm so proud of them all and happy for the children. This is such a valuable important resource for teaching children, helping make learning fun and interesting. This is just the beginning of their work and wow!!!
Annual report of 2022
18. (I have a future) event November 2022
A slogan raised by (Al Iraqia hona) organization in cooperation with the University of Technology, which hosted a children's festival of the global Day of children on Tuesday 22/11/2022 and in the presence of the president of the university and his assistants, as well as a group of associations and organizations concerned with childhood. An invitation was extended to the Association (Children Bringing Change CBC), which was represented in this celebration by Dr. Israa Ali Al-Neami, Public Relations Officer in the association, to participate in giving an educational lesson to the children. The celebration included several paragraphs that varied between exhibitions of children's productions, as well as a display of some talents for children, in addition to many diverse paragraphs.
The Children Make Change Association, as it commends this step, hopes to see more of these activities in support of the Iraqi child in order to build the human being to push the country towards a promising future.
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