Support Educational Spaces for 200 Kids in Iraq

At Sunrise child-friendly space (CFS), we believe that every child deserves a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment where they can develop the skills needed to thrive. Sunrise places children's well-being, holistic development, and individual needs at the center of its educational approach. Our teachers and staff work closely with families to identify developmental challenges at an early stage and provide appropriate support that promotes children's cognitive, emotional, social, and language development. By fostering strong partnerships with parents and creating engaging learning experiences, Sunrise ensures that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The following case illustrates how collaboration between Sunrise staff and parents helped overcome a significant language development challenge and enabled one child to build confidence, improve communication skills, and actively participate in the kindergarten environment.

A 4.5-year-old child enrolled in CFS with significant difficulties communicating in his mother tongue. He struggled to express his needs, interact with classmates, and participate in classroom activities. This created challenges for both the child and the instructors, as he often became frustrated when others could not understand him.

After discussing the situation with his family, Sunrise team learned that, from an early age, the child had spent long periods using a mobile phone to keep him occupied whenever he needed attention or became restless. Much of the content he watched was in a language other than his mother tongue. In addition, after the birth of a younger sibling when the child was around two years old, he received less individual attention from his parents. As a result, he had fewer opportunities to engage in conversations with family members or to socialize with other children during the critical years of language development.

Recognizing that early childhood is a crucial period for language acquisition and social development, the CFS instructors and the child's parents developed a supportive approach. The instructors encouraged the child to participate in group activities, storytelling sessions, songs, role-playing, and games that promoted the use of his mother tongue in a fun and engaging way. They also paired him with classmates who demonstrated positive communication skills and encouraged cooperative play to increase his confidence in speaking with peers.

Sunrise staff provided guidance to the parents on the importance of reducing screen time and increasing face-to-face interaction at home. Parents were encouraged to speak with the child regularly in their mother tongue, read simple storybooks together, ask open-ended questions, and involve him in daily conversations and family activities. They were also advised to create opportunities for the child to play with other children outside the classroom to strengthen both his language and social skills.

Over time, the child became more comfortable communicating in his mother tongue. He gradually expanded his vocabulary, participated more actively in classroom discussions, and developed stronger relationships with his classmates. His confidence increased noticeably, and he became more engaged in learning and social activities.

This case demonstrates the positive impact of early identification, family engagement, and individualized support in addressing developmental challenges during early childhood. Through the close collaboration of Sunrise CFS instructors and parents, the child was able to make significant progress in language, communication, and social interaction.