UK college helps Iraqi lecturers

Iraqi lecturers are learning more about IT in education

Iraqi university lecturers are attending a summer training course in the UK to update their skills.

They will shadow staff at Huddersfield Technical College, studying modern teaching and marking methods.

During the six-week programme, the Iraqi lecturers will also learn more about using information technology.

Internet access was restricted under Saddam's regime, while sanctions and under-funding meant equipment used in higher education became outdated.

Bodyguards

Since the end of the Iraq war last year, several universities have been looted.

Academics have also been attacked, with many requiring bodyguards to get to work.

Ten lecturers from the universities of Dohuk, Sulaiymania, Kirkuk and Arbil are taking part in the Huddersfield training scheme.

It is being funded by the British Council and was initiated by Rasheda Zaher Draey, from the college.

She worked at Dohuk University in 2001 and observed that the teaching and resources were outdated.

Ms Draey said: "We hope to help the universities in Iraq improve their standard of teaching by sharing our expertise on this training course."