Spanish military personnel deliver school supplies, medical supplies and hygiene products to an orphanage in Baghdad

•  The charity association “Brazadas por sonrisas” has made this donation to the centre run by the Missionaries of Charity congregation

The Spanish contingent deployed in Baghdad as part of the NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI) has delivered school supplies, medical supplies and hygiene products to the Missionaries of Charity orphanage.

With the mediation of the Spanish military, the donation was made by the charity association “Brazadas por Sonrisas” (Strokes for Smiles), which helps vulnerable groups, particularly through sports. On this occasion, it has focused its attention on this orphanage in Baghdad, run by the congregation of the Missionaries of Charity of Saint Teresa of Calcutta.

The delivery took place at the orphanage facilities, where the sisters expressed their gratitude and shared with the Spanish military personnel their needs for running this shelter and refuge centre, as well as the challenges they face in their daily work. For their part, the Spanish team showed their appreciation for the extraordinary work carried out by the sisters.

At the Missionaries of Charity orphanage, the nuns offer care, shelter and attention to dozens of orphaned or abandoned children living in extremely harsh conditions. The sisters provide them with food, basic education (since the vast majority cannot attend school), healthcare and spiritual guidance in a family environment that allows them to build a better future for themselves.

In Iraq, this gesture of solidarity with the civilian population is a sign of the commitment and spirit of service that characterises the daily work of Spanish military personnel stationed in NMI, which also contributes to improving the lives of those most in need and strengthening ties of respect and friendship with the Iraqi people.

Spain's participation in Iraq

Spain participates in two international missions deployed in Iraq. On the one hand, there is the NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI) and, on the other, Operation Inherent Resolve, led by the International Coalition Against Daesh, in which Spain participates with its special operations group (SOTG XXII).

The NATO mission in Iraq aims to help strengthen Iraqi security forces and military education institutions by training and advising defence and security officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and military schools and institutions. NMI fully integrates civilian and military personnel, with the aim of multiplying the effectiveness of NATO's efforts and maximising cooperation with other entities on the ground. It is noteworthy that, currently, the Spanish contingent provides the most personnel to NMI.