Business as usual for World Vision staff in Iraq

World Vision programmes in Iraq are continuing as normal, despite Sunday's bombing in the capital.

Eight people are dead and 32 injured following the apparent suicide car bombing which exploded outside the Baghdad hotel just before 1pm local time. The neighbourhood is home to journalists, international aid workers, government contractors, some Iraqi governing council members and United States personnel.

New Zealander Judy Moore, who is the Acting National Director of World Vision Iraq, says World Vision staff are based in the northern governance of Mosul rather than Baghdad so were safe after the latest incident.

"Even though it is currently quiet in Mosul, we don't want to become complacent. I don't think we will be targets, but we just don't want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, so we are keeping our normal low profile," she says.

World Vision has been rehabilitating schools in northern Iraq. More than 80 schools have been completed, with similar rehabilitation works in progress or planning in a further 110 schools.

Working in cooperation with the Directorate of Education, World Vision has been supplying new water tanks, installing new water coolers and sanitary fittings, and repainting and repairing classrooms. The project will provide more than 95,000 children with improved school facilities.

Donations can be made to World Vision's work in Iraq on 0800 800 776, or through the website: http://www.worldvision.org.nz

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