Description of activities
The “Gift a Poem in Love for Parents” competition was organized as part of cultural programs aimed at promoting family values and instilling the virtues of kindness and respect for parents among young people. The event witnessed broad participation from school and university students across various regions, who expressed their love and appreciation for their parents through poems rich with emotion and artistic beauty. The competition ran for two weeks, during which entries were evaluated by a specialized jury composed of distinguished poets and writers.
Zaha Hadid High School for Excellence / Nineveh
We proudly participated in the “A Poem Gift for the Orphan” initiative, which aims to plant joy and emotional support in the hearts of orphans through sincere poetic words. Our participation stemmed from our belief in the importance of the word and its profound impact on the soul. During the preparation, we wrote special poems that consider the children’s feelings and instill hope and positivity in them. We ensured that the poems were full of messages of affection and strength, to be a gift that leaves a mark on their small hearts. On the day of the event, the poems were presented to the children warmly, either through direct recitation or decorated cards. The moment of handing over the poems was filled with emotion, as we saw the sparkle of happiness in the children’s eyes and felt the extent of the impact that a word of love can leave. Our participation in this initiative showed us that the simplest initiatives, when they come from the heart, can make a real difference. We are proud to have been part of this wonderful human experience, and we look forward to more initiatives that support orphans and plant hope in their souls.
Palestine Secondary School for Distinguished Students
In celebration of the profound literary legacy of poet Zbigniew Herbert, Palestine Secondary School for Distinguished Students in Iraq proudly participated in the “Gift a Poem” campaign, as part of the UNESCO ASPnet initiative, blending creativity with cultural exchange. This participation came under the patronage of Mr. Fares Abdul-Hussein, the school principal, who provided unwavering support to make this initiative a success. With the support of a distinguished group of teachers: Ms. Nada Al-Munthiri, Ms. Ameera Al-Saadi, Mr. Raheem, and Mr. Musab Hadi, the activities were enriched with a deep educational and cultural dimension. The events took place inside the school library and hallways, where our students illuminated the literary world with their inspiring poems, expressing their creativity and love for culture and literary awareness. We extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Ms. Insam Faeq for her dedication in organizing this campaign. Palestine Secondary School for Distinguished Students takes pride in its membership in the UNESCO ASPnet and is honored by its active role in fostering cultural awareness among its students.
Palestine High School
In Iraq, our school participated in the ASPnet campaign by celebrating World Poetry Day through a creative and heartfelt poetry initiative. As the sole participating school in our area, we focused on honoring the power of words and self-expression. Students prepared and presented an original poem that reflected the spirit of World Poetry Day, highlighting themes such as peace, hope, cultural identity, and global unity. The poem was written collaboratively and performed during a school event, where students shared their voices and ideas with peers and teachers. This activity provided a meaningful opportunity for students to explore poetry as a form of communication and connection. It encouraged creativity, self-confidence, and reflection on global values. The poem was also recorded and photographed to be submitted as part of our testimony to the ASPnet community. Though our school worked independently, the celebration of World Poetry Day helped our students feel part of a larger, international movement that values expression, education, and cultural understanding.
Schools involved
- Zaha Hadid High School for distinguished
- Zaha Hadid High School for Excellence / Nineveh
- Ruqaya High School for Distinguished Students
- Palestine Secondary School for Distinguished Students
- Palestine High School
