LIFELINE FOR THE DISABLED: How an Iraqi security guard ended up running a school for children with Down Syndrome

By Mahdi Gharib in Baghdad

On the outskirts of Baghdad, in the neighborhood of Nahrawan, one man’s modest home has become a beacon of hope for children with the genetic disorder, Down Syndrome.

A security guard by profession, local man Hussam has established a small school for 38 children with special needs.

When his own son was born with Down Syndrome, the 35-year-old says he was filled with the same uncertainty many other parents have faced. But he decided to create a world where his son, and others like his son, wouldn’t be left behind by a conservative society that is often prejudiced against people with handicaps.

“I started this initiative in 2017 to create a good environment for my son and all the children in similar circumstances,” Hussam says. “I wanted them to feel included in society, not forgotten.”

As word spread about Hussam’s efforts, more families reached out to him and his home was gradually transformed into a small school.

Statistics suggest that around 4.5% of Iraq’s population — that is, around 2 million people — live with intellectual disabilities, including Down Syndrome. Despite this significant number, state or societal support is inadequate, with many public institutions offering no assistance to disabled people at all.

Organizations that do support people with Down Syndrome often cope with little funding and few resources. Some have been forced to close, others have had to reduce what services they offer. There are even fewer in more suburban or rural areas like Nahrawan.

Iraqi law says children with disabilities have the right to an education but in reality, many schools in Iraq refuse to admit children with Down Syndrome, Hussam explains, even in urban centres. Parents are left with few options, including keeping the children at home and uneducated, or paying for expensive specialist centres.

“One school principal told a parent that their child wouldn’t benefit from their programs,” Hussam recounts. “What can a parent do in that situation? Where do they take their child?

This is why for some of the 38 children’s families, Hussam’s little school is the only place they can go.

Hussam runs the school alone, without any trained professionals and relies on his own limited resources.

A room in his home has been converted into a classroom, with chairs, a whiteboard and some sports equipment, all aimed at fostering the intellectual and physical development of the children.

“I spend every free moment with them,” Hussam says. “I don’t want them to feel different or unwanted. They are children with rights and dreams and I want to help make those dreams a reality.”

Hussam shows us a drawing made by one of his students: A picture of a smiling man surrounded by children. It’s supposed to be Hussam, as depicted by his student.

Hussam says he doesn’t treat his students as “special”.

“My message to the relevant authorities and humanitarian organizations is clear: these children deserve attention,” the volunteer teacher argues. “I am not asking for anything for myself but I need support to continue this work. I need educational tools, a better-equipped space, and possibly even volunteers to help me.”

Besides a lack of services, Downs Syndrome people in Iraq also have to deal with social stigma. Many Iraqis don’t know enough about the condition and consider them incapable of working or learning or contributing to everyday life.

“Sadly society can be cruel,” Hussam says. “I hear hurtful comments and see pitying looks directed at these children, as if they are burdens rather than active members of society. When we take the children out for trips or to a park, we get strange looks, as if people are seeing something unusual. It’s as if they don’t deserve to be among us,” he says sadly.

On average people with Down Syndrome live to be about 60 years old. That’s why an education is so important, Hussam explains.

“If we don’t give them a chance to learn now, they will have no place in the future,” he notes.

Hussam would like to see more cooperation between the Iraqi state and civil society organizations to raise awareness and provide the necessary resources for children with Down Syndrome. This would include funding for special centers and organizations, as well as educational campaigns to try and change people’s attitudes and to ensure that people with Down Syndrome are better accepted in Iraqi society.

“These children deserve a fair chance, not pity,” Hussam concludes. “Society will benefit from them if it learns how to embrace them and prepare them for life.”