Iraqi Government Offers English Courses To Improve Job Chances

BAGHDAD -- Iraq's Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs is offering certified English-language courses to young graduates in an effort to boost their employment opportunities, RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraq reports.

Rabab Hamid, the director of the ministry's English-course program, told RFE/RL that 250 students have enrolled in the two-month courses.

She said the courses are geared toward high-school graduates and will train them in English conversational skills and writing.

English teacher Muna Issam told Radio Free Iraq that there was great interest among women and that enrollment is high because of improved security.