A GLIMPSE INTO MOLSA ORPHANAGES

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 001341 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/30/2018 TAGS: PGOV SOCI PHUM IZ SUBJECT: A GLIMPSE INTO MOLSA ORPHANAGES Classified By: Deputy PolCouns Ellen Germain for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d ) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: PolOffs had a rare opportunity to tour Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs orphanages in Baghdad on April 24. Since a July 2007 scandal when MoLSA orphans were found naked and tied to beds, the USG has had little communication with the ministry on this issue. The two orphanages were surprisingly well-kept, calm havens in the midst of a chaotic city. Although the number of orphans is small, the ministry has provided them with a cheerful and clean place to live, trained staff, education services, vocational and social activities, and basic needs. The orphanages are completely funded by MoLSA and appear not to lack any funds or ministerial support. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) Since a July 2007 scandal when a joint USG/Iraqi raid found 24 naked boys tied to beds in a MoLSA orphanage, we have had little contact with the ministry on issues relating to orphanages. In January, Abeer al-Chalabi, head of orphanages, and the Director General for Social Affairs Layla Khadem agreed to meet with PolOffs to begin a discussion about the situation of orphans in Iraq. A request to visit Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MoLSA)-run orphanages was finally granted in April, and PolOffs visited two of the four MoLSA orphanages in Baghdad on April 24. The first was Dar al-Tafoola (House of Children) in the Karkh neighborhood, which houses 43 boys and girls under the age of six. The second site was Dar al-Zehoor (House of Flowers) in the Karada neighborhood, which houses 43 girls from the ages of six to thirteen. The other two orphanages house boys over the age of six and girls from thirteen to eighteen. ¶3. (C) MoLSA operates four orphanages in Baghdad, caring for 145 children. It has 14 other orphanages around the country (except in the KRG),with a total of 436 children. Ms. Abeer and Khelood Tawfeeq, the MoLSA heads of orphanages explained to PolOffs that while there are "rumors" that there are five million orphans in Iraq, most orphans live with their extended families and so there is little demand for more public orphanages. The orphanages are completely funded and supported by the ministry and, according to Ms. Abeer, have a continuous line of funding available. ¶4. (C) Both orphanages, particularly Dar al-Tafoola, appeared very well taken care of and were bright, cheerful, and calm havens in the midst of a war-torn city. All the children were wearing clean clothing, had plenty of toys and activities at their disposal, and seemed to be very happy. Bedrooms were separated by age, with an average of eight children per room. A care-taker sleeps in each room during the night. The places were well-staffed, with staff required to take ministry training classes on child-care and social work. The children are provided with five meals per day, appropriate to their age. There is a medical clinic in each orphanage, with stocked supplies, and a dental office at Dar al-Zehoor. The doctor at Dar al-Tafoola works for the Ministry of Health at a nearby medical center, and there is always a doctor present at Dar al-Zehoor. ¶5. (C) The ministry ensures that the children receive an education and learn vocational and social skills at the orphanage. Children older than four go to a Ministry of Education school during the day and return to the orphanage for further study. Each grade at Dar al-Zehoor has a classroom and a tutor and is required to focus on homework after school. There is also a computer room, a sewing room, a library, play areas, and a multi-purpose room that is used for exhibitions, parties, and lectures. After the orphans turn 18, the ministry helps them find jobs and establish new lives. Several of the caretakers we met had been orphans in the same facilities. ¶6. (C) COMMENT: After such an embarrassing scandal in 2007, MoLSA seems to have taken great care to provide safe and cheerful orphanages. The caretakers, directors, and ministry officials all seemed to take a personal interest in the well-being of the orphans. The two ministry officials continuously emphasized that these standards are uniform across the country, and that the ministry fully funds and supports each orphanage. Post will try to arrange PRT visits to other MoLSA orphanages around the country. END COMMENT. BUTENIS