Sema
The Lalish Center for Culture and Society in Duhok, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Education in Duhok, has established a committee to facilitate the educational advancement of Yazidi survivors of ISIS, ensuring they can continue their education free of charge.
On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, a delegation from the Lalish Center, led by Dr. Saeed Khudeeda, Deputy Head of the Center, along with Dr. Munib Saido, Head of the Student Department, and representatives Iman Abdullah and Faiza Kamal, visited the General Directorate of Education in Duhok. They were welcomed by Omar Ali, the Director of Education.
Dr. Saeed Khudeeda conveyed to Sema that following a directive from Alan Hama, Minister of Education of the Kurdistan Regional Government, which permits Yazidi survivors to resume their education, a committee was formed within the General Education Department in Duhok to implement this ministerial order. During the visit, the Lalish Center coordinated with the committee to prepare lists of eligible survivors. An electronic application form has been developed and will soon be made available for survivors wishing to register and provide necessary information.
Dr. Khudeeda further explained that the Lalish Center will compile these lists and forward them to the General Education Department in Duhok. A tailored mechanism will be devised to accommodate the diverse educational backgrounds of the survivors, considering factors such as language of instruction, need for evening classes or accelerated learning programs, and the opening of literacy classes for those who are illiterate, thereby enabling them to continue their education.
Additionally, Dr. Khudeeda noted that educational opportunities would extend to those survivors who have completed the third grade, with access to specialized institutes in areas such as computing, sports, and the arts. Furthermore, survivors who have completed the sixth grade of high school will be eligible for admission to universities, particularly private institutions.
Dr. Khudeeda concluded by affirming that once admitted, survivors will be able to pursue their education free of charge and without any conditions.