Clearing the Way for Learning

An ECW-funded initiative delivered by Save the Children is removing barriers to education for Nada, a young refugee with a physical disability in Iraq.

By Education Cannot Wait

January 14^th, 2026

Adapted story from the field. Special contribution by Save the Children.

Fifteen-year-old Nada* awakens each morning in a refugee camp in Duhok Governorate, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, preparing for another day at school. For Nada, going to class is more than a daily routine – it is a hard-won opportunity she treasures.

Originally from Syria, Nada fled her home with her family in 2013 as conflict and violence escalated. She was just three years old when they began their journey, traveling on foot to the Sehela border before continuing by car to a refugee camp inside the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Nada began her education in the camp at the age of six, enrolling in first grade. Despite the challenges of displacement, she quickly stood out as an intelligent and dedicated student, recognized for her strong academic performance and positive attitude towards learning.

Nada and her friend at their refugee camp in the Duhok Governorate, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. © Save the Children

But Nada’s journey through school has not been easy. She was born with a physical disability affecting both of her feet which makes it difficult for her to walk without support. To move around, she relies on a walker. As she advanced in school, everyday tasks – getting to class, crossing the schoolyard, moving between rooms – became increasingly difficult.

The school environment itself posed serious barriers. Uneven ground, steps and a wide, open water trench running through the middle of the schoolyard made it challenging for the 15-year-old to reach her classroom, the bathrooms or even the drinking water. At times, the obstacles were overwhelming.

“Before, it was hard for me to move around. Sometimes I missed class because I couldn’t get there on time.” ~Nada

Nada in her classroom in a refugee camp in the Duhok Governorate, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. © Save the Children

The risk was real: without support, Nada could have missed out on her education altogether.

Recognizing her struggles, Nada’s family approached the school’s headteacher for help. The headteacher, moved by Nada’s situation, reached out to Save the Children. Through funding from Education Cannot Wait (ECW) – the global fund for education in emergencies within the United Nations – Save the Children responded by making critical accessibility improvements to the school.

The changes transformed Nada’s learning environment. The school grounds and classroom floors were tiled, creating smooth and even surfaces that allowed her to move safely and independently. The open water trench that once divided the yard was covered, removing a major hazard for both Nada and her peers. Two portable ramps and one permanent ramp were installed, improving access to classrooms and enabling Nada to attend class more easily and without assistance.

Nada walks into her classroom in a refugee camp in the Duhok Governorate, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, with the help of a ramp. © Save the Children

For Nada, the impact was immediate and profound. With the barriers removed, she could focus on learning rather than navigating obstacles.

Her parents noticed the difference right away.

“Nada loves going to school, and now with the ramps, it’s much easier for her to move around and continue her learning. We believe she has a bright future.” ~Nada’s parents

The support Nada received is part of the ECW-funded Multi-Year Resilience Programme in Iraq. Through this programme, Non-Formal Education Centres have been established within refugee camps across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to support children facing challenging circumstances. At the start of the school year, Nada also received essential learning materials – another step in ensuring she has what she needs to succeed.

In late-2024, ECW announced a US$9 million cost extension for its Multi-Year Resilience Programme in Iraq. Total ECW funding in Iraq now tops US$23.8 million. The extended programme aims to increase access to quality education, improve learning outcomes, strengthen well-being, enhance system-wide resilience and mobilize new resources.

To deliver on the Grand Bargain Agreement’s goals for localization, the ECW investment brings together a wide consortium of international and national partners – including the Government of Iraq, Government of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq, Mercy Corps, Save the Children, Terres des Hommes Lausanne, Norwegian Refugee Council, INTERSOS, People in Need, Rwanga Foundation, Bent Al-Rafedain Organization, Public Aid Organization, Sahara Economic Development Organization and the Iraqi Association of Disability Organizations.

Today, Nada is excited to be at school and hopeful about what lies ahead. With her path to learning cleared, she allows herself to dream about the future.

“When I grow up, I want to become a pharmacist to help people who need treatment.” ~Nada

Nada’s story is a reminder that access – not ability – is often the greatest barrier to education. With the right support, inclusive learning environments and sustained investment, children like Nada can continue their education safely, confidently and with hope for the future.

Nada walks to school in a refugee camp in the Duhok Governorate, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. © Save the Children

Access high-resolution photos from this story and our full media library on ECW's Flickr

Footnotes

*Name has been changed to protect identity.

Button Label

FootNotes

*Name has been changed to protect identity.