Teenagers in Iraq

              By: Nicole
     In this essay, you will learn many things about Iraqi teens. For one, you will learn about their education, also the dangers that they face each and every day. Last but not least, their religion and their faith and what it means to the teens.
                     Education in Iraq                   

     Although education in Iraq is free and mandatory through primary grades, more than half of Iraqi teens do not have a formal education.According to the Article "Education and Social Welfare in Iraq,"(n. pag.) in 1958, Iraqi education experienced a large expansion and higher opportunities arose. The Persian Gulf War created hardships for families, making it necessary for teenagers to go to school and find work. More then fifty percent of Iraqi teens enrolled in secondary school. Because of that, Iraq has a large number of skilled teens becoming doctors, scientists and skilled workers(n. pag.). Like every teenager around the world, education plays a big part in their everyday life.

Permission Granted by AP Photo Archive according to a licensure agreement with Hudson Middle School
                              Dangers in Iraq

     Due to the Iraq war, few jobs are avalible in Iraq, which makes basic goods very expensive. For most families this makes it difficult to supply their family with everyday essentials.According to the article "Refuges Feel Pressure to go Home," by Kevin Whitelaw, (Whitelaw n. pag.) guns and bombs are also another huge threat to a teenager's life. Cement walls, built by Sunni or Shiite Muslims block off most roads and alleys. Most families returning to Iraq think that the violence is behind them, when the truth is it has problem gotten worse. For most families the story is that when they get back to Iraq, their homes are either taken over or obliterated(Whitelaw n. pag). Although times are hard, families often find a way to get thought it.
 

   Permission Granted by AP Photo Archive according to a licensure agreement with Hudson Middle School
                    What Faith Means to Teens

     The official religion in Iraq is Islam. Ninety-seven percent of the Iraq population is Muslim. To be Muslim you must follow these five guidelines...
  1. Give Alms to the poor
  2. Fast during the holy month of Ramadan
  3. Make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in your life
  4. Believe in one god, Allah
  5. Pray to Allah at least five times a day
According to the book Iraq by Dynise Balcavage, kids and teenagers do not have to fast, only healthy adults do.(Balcavage 26-27). After Ramadan is over, all Iraqi's consume large amounts of food. As is, all around the world, faith is very important to the averaged Iraq family.

Permission Granted by AP Photo Archive according to a licensure agreement with Hudson Middle School 		    Education and Faith are very important to Iraq teens, and everyone is faced with dangers from time to time. Although times can be tough, all and all, Iraq teens live a good life.


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