University of Basrah Organizes Festival “Begging… Childhood on the Pavement”
The College of Arts at the University of Basrah, in cooperation with the Basrah Branch of the Iraqi Union of Radio and Television Broadcasters and Abu Al-Khaseeb International Schools, organized a cultural festival entitled “Begging… Childhood on the Pavement” under the slogan “What Lies Beyond This Pavement?”
The Dean of the College of Arts, Dr. Majid Al-Kaabi, stated that the festival was organized as part of the College’s and the University of Basrah’s commitment to shedding light on social phenomena that threaten society, raising public awareness of issues affecting children, and strengthening the University’s role in community service and addressing social problems.
He added that the festival examined child begging and the suffering, deprivation, and school dropout it conceals, as well as the exploitation of children and violations of their fundamental rights to education, care, and a safe life. It also highlighted the social and economic factors that drive children onto the streets and the adverse effects of this phenomenon on their future and on society as a whole.
The festival featured a discussion session with Brigadier General Bassem Al-Maliki of the Basrah Police Command and Mahdi Al-Tamimi, Director of the Basrah Office of the Human Rights Commission. They addressed the legal, security, and human rights dimensions of begging, along with ways to protect children from exploitation and help them return to school and a safe living environment. The session also highlighted the role of security, human rights, and educational institutions in tackling this phenomenon and curbing its spread.
The programme also included a theatrical performance entitled “Streetlights”, portraying the hardships and harsh living conditions endured by street children, as well as a musical recitation entitled “Compassion Is the Most Beautiful Thing Within Us”, which conveyed the values of humanity, compassion, and social solidarity.
The festival was attended by prominent political, security, and human rights figures, alongside academics and students. It witnessed considerable engagement with its central message: rescuing children from the streets and restoring their rightful place in school and a safe home. The event also underscored the importance of coordinated efforts among the University, government institutions, and civil society organizations to protect children and secure a better future for them.
Department of Media and Government Communication
