Rebuilding dreams: how a restored campus became the catalyst for women's education in Anbar

May 11, 2025

Not long ago, the English and History Departments at the College of Education for Girls at Anbar University stood as silent witnesses to decades of neglect cracked walls, overcrowded classrooms crammed with ever-growing numbers of female students, and library shelves blanketed in dust. For 25 years, Alaa Abdullah Mufreh, this was the harsh reality of pursuing education in post-conflict Iraq.

Alaa runs her hand across the smooth surface of a new desk in the English Department's lecture hall, smiling as she reflects: “Now, when sunlight streams through the windows during our Shakespeare discussions, I finally feel the university believes in our future too.”

Dr. Ammar Abdul Wahab, Head of the English Department confirms: “Today, the University of Anbar has gained global recognition in international rankings, and I firmly believe it is steadily advancing toward a brighter and more distinguished future.”

Walls no longer hold back dreams

The rehabilitation and extension project, completed in late 2024 with funding from the Swedish government through UNDP, has transformed the college into a vibrant regional hub. This transformation extended beyond physical infrastructure to achieve:

Unprecedented increase in capacity.
Significant improvement in exam pass rates
Enhanced academic life through.
Intellectual debates across departments and Innovative literary forums among students.

Inas Mohammed Ibrahim, 24 years, a History Department student, described the radical transformation: “Last semester, we took turns sitting on the edges of the lecture hall. Now, we enjoy spacious areas that facilitate comfortable

Professor Ismail Mujbil Hamad, 50 years, Professor in the Department of History, said: "We previously struggled with scheduling conflicts that sometimes forced us to cancel lectures. Today, the college implements advanced teaching models I only read about it in international journals. The facilities are now fully compatible with modern equipment, opening broader educational horizons."

The student Alaa Kamel, 21 years, shares: “The new language lab allows me to analyze texts with greater precision and clarity. Now I plan to complete my studies and apply for the Master's degree at this same college.”

The Lasting Impact

The College of Education for Girls at Anbar University has undergone a remarkable transformation following the rehabilitation and expansion of the History and English departments. The college has transitioned from dilapidated buildings to a vibrant educational institution, now welcoming 250 to 300 students annually from Anbar, neighboring provinces, and Baghdad. The changes extend beyond merely expanding classrooms and equipping them with the latest technologies, including a computer lab and a medical clinic. The college now thrives with an academic and cultural life filled with intellectual dialogues permeating through the new halls and courtyards.

Today, the college serves as a launchpad for aspirations, with many students aiming to pursue higher studies and join the college, reflecting a renewed confidence in their ability to compete globally.

One of the professors at the college said "This transformation is not just about renovating walls; it is about rebuilding a whole generation." One of the professors at the college.

With the increased capacity for students and expanded educational space, the campus stands as a testament to how investment in education can unleash the potential of the community. The confident strides of female students through the new hallways symbolize a challenge to stereotypes and the building of a brighter future for Iraq.