"This cemetery is rich in artifacts, and every time we dig a grave, we find a piece of history," shared Yunis, the principal of Al-Eitha Elementary School.
In Al-Eitha village in Salah al-Din Governorate, the elementary school is the oldest and largest school in the village and stands adjacent to a centuries-old Islamic cemetery that is a central memorial for the community. With families returning after the war with ISIS, the cemetery is a historically significant place of mourning for this recovering community.
With USAID’s support, IOM constructed a protective wall to separate the school from the cemetery. "Many of these kids have laid their loved ones to rest, and it's traumatizing for them to confront those memories on their way to school," said Yunis. Along with the installation of the wall, thoughtful illumination identifies the space as a cemetery and helps visitors to find their way. "Now the cemetery is treated with the respect it deserves," shared Yunis.
USAID supports victims of war by providing solace for them through protecting sites of collective grief in Salah al-Din.
Photo: IOM
| Date Taken: | 02.01.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 04.12.2024 10:45 |
| Photo ID: | 8336685 |
| VIRIN: | 240201-O-D0499-9210 |
| Resolution: | 1600x747 |
| Size: | 152.1 KB |
| Location: | AL-EITHA, IQ |
| Web Views: | 17 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Republic of Iraq (Iraq)
