17.3.1  Al-Ayen Iraqi University – SDG 1 Progress Report (2024)

Introduction and Overview

Al-Ayen Iraqi University, a key educational institution in Iraq, actively supports SDG 1: No Poverty through community initiatives, partnerships, and research aimed at economic and social empowerment. Its impactful programs, like the Ramadan Food Distribution, Eid Clothing Drive, and Household Appliances Distribution, directly support families in need. Collaborative events and scholarships for low-income, non-Iraqi students enhance educational access. Community support is further reinforced through initiatives like the Orphan Recognition Event and the Iftar Banquet, which ease financial burdens on families by providing resources and facility improvements. Additionally, four publications in 2024 address financial inclusion, sustainable agriculture, and economic growth, providing valuable insights for poverty reduction in Iraq. Al-Ayen’s comprehensive approach demonstrates its strong commitment to SDG 1 and to creating a sustainable, inclusive community.

1. On Monday, November 18, 2024, the College of Dentistry at Al Ayen Iraqi University organized a charity bazaar with the aim of supporting charitable and community activities and providing opportunities for students to participate in volunteer work that benefits the community.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3136

2. 0n Wednesday, December 11, 2024, Assistant Professor Dr. Haider Marhoon, Vice President of Al-Ayen Iraqi University, announced the allocation of 15 free seats in the university's departments and colleges for orphans from the Al-Yateem Charitable Foundation. This initiative was coordinated with the Al-Ayen University Foundation, a humanitarian organization. The Vice President received Ahmed Hussein Al-Madani, head of the Al-Yateem Charitable Foundation's branch in Dhi Qar, at his office, where he expressed his gratitude for this initiative, which encourages orphans to persevere and strive for excellence in their studies. He added that this initiative is part of the university's ongoing humanitarian program to combat poverty and hunger.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3279

3.Believing in the principle that caring for orphans is a duty incumbent upon society and continuing to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG1 1: No Poverty), (SDGs 2 No Hunger), and (SDGs 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), the College of Engineering Technology launched its volunteer campaign with an initiative to visit the Al-Tadhamun First School for Orphans in Nasiriyah, accompanied by a delegation of students from both departments (Computer Engineering Technology, Medical Devices Engineering Technology) for both morning and evening studies. The delegation was headed by the Assistant Dean for Administrative Affairs, Dr. Moudi Lafteh, and a number of faculty members.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/2154

4. In a remarkable humanitarian gesture, continuing to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG1 1: No Poverty), (SDGs 2 No Hunger), and (SDGs 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The College of Engineering at Al-Ayen Iraqi University organized a visit to the Al-Zuhour Orphanage, with the participation of several faculty members and students. This visit aimed to promote social responsibility and a spirit of giving among the participants, as well as to combat poverty. This visit is part of the college's ongoing efforts to support the local community and underscores its active role in achieving community development.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3120

5. The Engineering Technical College organized a voluntary visit to Al-Tadhamun First Orphanage School in Al-Nasiriya, accompanied by a group of students from the Computer Engineering and Biomedical Engineering departments. This initiative reflects the college’s belief in the community’s duty to care for orphans and supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The visit included a shared breakfast with the children, various interactive and service activities, and was warmly welcomed by the orphanage administration, which expressed its readiness for future collaboration.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/2154

6. Al-Ayen Iraqi University organized a communal Ramadan Iftar that brought together students from dormitories, orphans, faculty members, and university staff in a spirit of compassion and unity. This humanitarian initiative is part of the university’s annual program to support orphans and students from other provinces during the holy month. It supports SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by promoting social solidarity, inclusion, and care for vulnerable groups.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/2155

7. As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, the College of Education at Al-Ayen Iraqi University organized a charity bazaar aimed at supporting community initiatives and fostering a spirit of cooperation and philanthropy among students and faculty members. The charity bazaar featured a variety of displays and products, most notably handicrafts, traditional foods, and art exhibitions. The proceeds were dedicated to supporting charitable projects and humanitarian activities, reflecting the university's mission to achieve sustainable development and serve the community.  It supports SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by promoting social solidarity, inclusion, and care for vulnerable groups.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3232

8. In support of its humanitarian program, Al-Ayen Iraqi University has provided full scholarships to hundreds of students and Tuition fee reduction rate by certain percentages for hundreds of other students, as shown in the table below.

9. Al-Ayen Iraqi University received a delegation from the Ministry of Justice to discuss collaboration between the university and the administration of Nasiriyah Central Prison. The meeting focused on expanding educational opportunities for inmates, particularly in higher education, as the university offered 50 scholarship seats to support this initiative. This effort supports SDG1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by promoting rehabilitation through education and fostering social inclusion and justice.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3165

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Al-Ayen Iraqi University – SDG 1 Progress Report(2023)

1. Introduction and Overview

Al-Ayen Iraqi University, a key educational institution in Iraq, actively supports SDG 1: No Poverty through community initiatives, partnerships, and research aimed at economic and social empowerment. Its impactful programs, like the Ramadan Food Distribution, Eid Clothing Drive, and Household Appliances Distribution, directly support families in need. Collaborative events, such as the ShubadWomen’s Festival with Tima Organization, foster women’s economic independence, while scholarships for low-income, non-Iraqi students enhance educational access. Community support is further reinforced through initiatives like the Orphan Recognition Event, Iftar Banquet, and the Shakir Al-Gharabi School Support Initiative, which eases financial burdens on families by providing resources and facility improvements. Additionally, four publications in 2023 address financial inclusion, sustainable agriculture, and economic growth, providing valuable insights for poverty reduction in Iraq. Al-Ayen’s comprehensive approach demonstrates its strong commitment to SDG 1 and to creating a sustainable, inclusive community.

2. Detailed SDG 1 Contributions

Community Initiatives

• Ramadan Food Distribution, Eid Clothing Drive, and Household Appliances Distribution: These key programs address local economic hardships, directly supporting impoverished families by providing food, clothing, and household essentials.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1253

• Annual Shubad Women’s Festival: In collaboration with Tima Organization, this festival promotes economic opportunities for women, aligning with SDG 1 by fostering financial independence and local entrepreneurship.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1167

• Scholarship Programs for Non-Iraqi Students: Scholarships offer students from low-income backgrounds access to quality education, helping them overcome financial barriers. Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1168

• Orphan Recognition Event and Collective Iftar Banquet: These events foster a sense of community support and inclusivity, enhancing social well-being for orphans and vulnerable groups. Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1069

• Shakir Al-Gharabi School Support Initiative: This includes providing stationery and classroom renovations, which lessen the financial strain on families, supporting SDG 1 by improving educational access for low-income students.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1843

Supporting Data and Metrics

Research Publications: Four research publications in 2023 directly align with SDG 1, covering topics from sustainable agriculture to economic growth and customer loyalty.These publications collectively underscore Al-Ayen Iraqi University's proactive role in advancing SDG 1 through research that addresses financial inclusion, sustainable agriculture, education, and economic resilience. Each study not only contributes to understanding poverty-related challenges but also provides actionable insights into creating more equitable, sustainable communities in Iraq.

3. Visual Elements

• The doughnut chart shown below illustrates Al-Ayen Iraqi University's contributions to SDG1 through targeted support initiatives for orphans and community events. The chart highlights three main efforts: recognizing 4 high-achieving orphans, supporting 26 orphans in the Nasiriyah orphanage, and organizing 30 iftar meals for students, faculty, and community members. Each segment reflects the university’s commitment with percentages displayed on the ring to show the proportionate impact of each initiative. 

Images and Infographics: Photographs from events such as the Shakir Al-Gharabi School support visit, the Shubad Women’s Festival, and charity bazaars help highlight Al-Ayen’s commitment to SDG 1.

4. Supporting Documents and Links

For further details, please refer to:

• [Al-Ayen University SDG Contributions - University Website] (https://en.alayen.edu.iq/sdj/sub_details/85) 

• Related publications and annual reports accessible viaScopus data base and relevant online platforms.