Surveys that we have done show that about 55 percent of the schools in Iraq are physically inadequate for schooling. The number of children with psychological problems appears to be increasing, Ms. Singh said. It's difficult to quantify and do research, but qualitative research has shown that from the early 1990s to the late 1990s, there has been a 125 percent increase in the number of children 9 to 15 years old who have been approaching the health system for mental-health care. Youth and young adults show a lack of hope despair that the situation is not going to improve, Ms. Singh said. Because there's been a fairly extensive de-professionalization of the middle classes, you find engineers working as taxi drivers or selling cigarettes or doing whatever it takes to earn a basic livelihood.
Young people seem to get a message or feel that education is no longer valid or important.
Dealing with a chronic and complex humanitarian crisis situation as exists in Iraq requires the very definition of humanitarian needs to move beyond physical survival. United Methodist Women is making a significant contribution to the plight of Iraqi children through their support of the Middle East Council of Churches. This effort is noteworthy since U.S. response to the children through other agencies has been minimal. The suffering of the people is great. What Iraq needs today is a compassionate approach, a sincere attitude and understanding.