The training course on the protection and preservation of ancient Christian manuscripts was concluded on Saturday, 14 September 2024, in Basra.
Nineteen residents of Basra both male and female participated and received training on the steps of manuscripts preventative maintenance methods and their importance in terms of sterilization, cleaning, indexing, restoration, maintenance, photography and digitization, as well as in the sewing of manuscripts, box making and storage methods , the course also included theoretical lectures, practical exercises and the presentation of multiple images and films of typical methods of preservation and storage and the use of the equipment and devices required for restoration, sewing and packaging.
The course was organized by Hammurabi Human Rights Organization HHRO , under the direction of Mr. William Warda, Director of media and Public Relations in cooperation with the Oriental Manuscripts Digital Documentation CNMO of Iraq based in Erbil, recruiting trainers to carry out the training mission in Basra, namely, Zakhota Irmya and Mays Mekha.
This activity came as a part of a broad program entitled "Inclusiveness of the Right", sponsored by the John Paul II Foundation and funded by the Italian Development Agency, with the participation of the Hammurabi Human Rights Organization, the Caritas and the TDH.
Prior to the distribution of certificates Mr. William Warda, Director of the session, expressed his gratitude and thanks to the participants and the training staff, as well as to the Bishops and clergymen in Basra, especially his eminence the Bishop Mar Habib Novli , Bishop Mar Firas Darder and father Emad Al-Banna for their role and efforts for the sessions success.
The participants expressed their impressions and assessment of the activity and that besides their skills, information and abilities they also learned the importance of protecting Iraqi national heritage and its impact on future generations.
The course also increased their passion and love for promoting peaceful coexistence, community cohesion and protecting diversity, since the participants were from various components of the Iraqi people.
Mr. Thibaut Fondazzoni, representative of the John Paul II Foundation in Iraq, attended an important part of the session for few days. On the last day, he participated in the distribution of the certificates to the trainees, besides the Bishop of The Chaldean Cutch of Basra and the south Mar Habib Alnawfali , Father Emad Al-Banna and Mr.William Warda the Director of the session.
