Dozens of young Yazidis have taken part in training by the self-organized Asayîş security forces in Shengal (Sinjar) town in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq). The month-long program at the Şehîd Şengal Academy included theoretical and practical blocks and concluded a few days ago. Speaking to RojNews, some of the participants commented on the educational program.

Newaf Heci Reşo expressed satisfaction with the training and said that the Yazidi community wants to govern and defend itself within a democratic system: "I am glad that I participated and developed with a group of young Yazidis. In order to be able to repel further attacks, we will defend ourselves, our society and Yazidism. Such educational programs are the best answer to the enemy's attempts to destroy, divide and expel us. I was particularly impressed by the discussion of Abdullah Öcalan's ideas. With these ideas, the Yazidi community can defend itself against all attacks. When ISIS attacked Shengal on August 3, 2014, the society was defenseless. Today it is different. I would like to see all young Yazidis receive training so they can develop and defend their people and their country."

Farhan Simaîl Şêbo says that he participated in the training because he wants to stand up for the Yazidi community, their culture and their faith: "It is nice that we unite as Yazidis and stand together against the enemy. The training was very good. Some things I already knew, other things were new to me. We all learned a lot and developed both mentally and militarily. We want our entire community to know that Shengal has a defense force."