The Zahra Trust Nursery is an early childhood education project in Iraq that provides orphaned and vulnerable children with a nurturing, play-based learning environment. It combines global educational best practices with Islamic values inspired by the teachings of the AhlulBayt (as).
In a world where the plight of orphans is often ignored or cast aside, The Zahra Trust Nursery stands as a beacon of hope – rooted in mercy, built on compassion, and guided by the teachings of the Ahlulbayt (as).
Established to serve Iraq’s most vulnerable children, this nursery isn’t just about early childhood education. It’s about restoring the right of every child to play, learn, and be loved.
It’s about honouring the dignity of a child’s life by giving them a chance to begin again.
A Faith-Driven Response to Forgotten Childhoods
Unlike mainstream nurseries in Iraq, where early years are often reduced to rote memorisation and desk time, The Zahra Trust Nursery takes a different approach – one that honours both international best practices and Islamic principles.
Children learn through play, discovery, and movement in a purposefully designed open-plan space that encourages creativity, independence, and joy.
This is education rooted in the belief that every child is a trust from Allah (swt) – and every effort to nurture them is an act of worship.
Learning Through Play: Evidence-Based and Spiritually Grounded
Decades of research, including guidance from the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), have shown that play-based learning strengthens communication, emotional regulation, and critical thinking. That’s why early childhood systems in countries like the UK, USA, and Canada build their foundation on play.
The Zahra Trust Nursery mirrors these high standards, integrating global research into a child-centred, Islamic learning environment.
Every corner of the nursery has been carefully crafted; from sensory play stations and literacy corners to role-play areas like markets and petrol stations. Children experience the joy of learning through everyday themes like transport, animals, and “our world,” helping them connect classroom lessons to the world beyond.
And what makes this nursery truly unique is its spiritual foundation. Lessons are enriched with the values of the Ahlulbayt (as): compassion, honesty, kindness, and self-respect.
Here, children are taught that seeking knowledge is not only a right but a sacred duty.
More Than a Nursery: A Place of Healing
For children who have lost their parents, experienced war, or suffered deep trauma, this nursery is not just a school. It is a sanctuary.
Every child receives:
- A daily hot meal – often the only one they’ll eat that day
- Emotional care and consistent support
- Exposure to new experiences through first-time visits to airports, farms, and nature reserves
- A sense of belonging, stability, and love
These are children who’ve known hardship before they could even speak. Now, through your support, they are learning to laugh, trust, and dream.
Built By Believers Like You
Everything within these nursery walls – from the classroom furniture and colourful books to the meals, resources, and trained staff – exists because of your donations.
This project is a powerful testament to what we can achieve as a community when we come together in service of those in need.
And as the new academic year approaches, more vulnerable children are waiting for a chance to learn and grow in this nurturing environment.
Support the Zahra Trust Nursery and be part of a story that changes lives – one child at a time.
FAQ
Unlike traditional Iraqi preschools that focus heavily on desk learning, The Zahra Trust Nursery follows a child-centered, play-based approach. It encourages creativity, movement, and hands-on exploration while embedding Islamic character building and moral values in everyday learning.
The curriculum is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Ahlulbayt (as), promoting compassion, kindness, honesty, and respect. Children learn in an environment that nurtures both their academic growth and spiritual development.
The program is specifically designed for orphaned and underprivileged children in Iraq – many of whom have faced poverty, instability, or the trauma of losing their parents. The nursery offers them stability, emotional care, and a fair start in life.
The Zahra Trust Nursery is 100% donor-funded. All resources – from classroom supplies and trained educators to daily meals and field trips – are provided through the generous support of donors around the world.
You can support the nursery by donating to The Zahra Trust’s Back to School Campaign, which helps expand the nursery’s impact to more children in need. Your contribution provides education, food, clothing, and care to vulnerable young learners.
Yes, donations to support orphaned and deprived children are typically eligible for both Sadaqah and Zakat. You can indicate your intention at the time of donation to ensure funds are used accordingly.
