Three schools in the neighbourhoods Şêxmeqsûd and Eşrefiye opened their doors to students in the new academic year. However, the number of students has increased and the Education Committee is preparing to open a new school.
The Northern and Eastern Syria Autonomous Administration Education and Training Board opened three schools in the neighbourhoods of Şêxmeqsûd and Eşrefiye.
Martyr Qehreman School opened in 2018 and is located in the eastern part of Şêxmeqsûd. The second school, bearing the same name, opened in 2019. The third school is Martyr Avaşin Demhat School. It opened on September 18 this year. The school provides primary, secondary and high school education.
There are approximately 300 students and 37 teachers in all three schools. Pens, bags and books were distributed free of charge to the students this year.
Education in main language given
In the first and second grades, education is given in the mother tongue in all three schools. Arabic students are given 3 lessons of Kurdish per week, while Kurdish students are given 3 lessons of Arabic. English language lessons are also given from the 5th grade.
Teacher Medine Mihemed told ANHA: "We teach all lessons according to the Autonomous Administration materials. Our aim is to raise individuals who have knowledge and wisdom."
Martyr Qehreman Afrin School Executive Board Member Xedice Gedro said: "We are taking firm steps forward and making improvements every year. We started at primary school level, along with this, we moved on to the middle and high school. Now we are getting ready to open another school in the neighbourhood."
Increase in the number of students
Xedice Gedro said: "Each component receives education in its own language. The Arab group learns Arabic and the Kurdish group learns Kurdish. It was necessary to open a new school due to the increase in the number of students."
Adding that another secondary and high school was built in the western part of Şêxmeqsûd Gedro said: "Our people should show their children the right way to learn their language and culture. The people of the region have been subjected to cultural genocide for years. Language is the existence and identity of people."
On the other hand, student Emine Mistefa (7) said: "My love for my language helped me to study at Martyr Qehreman Afrin School this year."
Mistefa continued: "I love school, language, Kurdish and its letters. I hope to be a doctor when I grow up. I am happy because I study in my own language. I want all children to go to this school."
Student Tolîn Ehmed (8) said: "My hope is to become a teacher and teach children Kurdish."
