In Shekhan District in the Nineveh Governorate of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, a beacon of hope and progress has emerged for the Yezidi community and other local youth with the launch of the Free Yezidi Foundation, a women-led non-profit organization dedicated to the empowerment and support of Yezidis and other Iraqi ethnic and religious minorities.
Funded by the U.S. Consulate General Erbil, this innovative educational initiative includes the English Microscholarship Access Program (Access), a two-year course that involves more than just learning English. Access is a holistic educational experience designed to foster critical thinking, social cohesion, tolerance, and mental well-being among students who have faced the harsh realities of conflict and displacement.
A holistic approach to education
Access stands out for its commitment to the comprehensive development of its students. Rather than focusing solely on the acquisition of language skills, the program emphasizes the importance of nurturing critical thinking and analytical abilities. This approach encourages students to question, engage with, and understand the world around them, fostering a generation of informed and thoughtful individuals.
Through a curriculum that integrates language learning with discussions on social issues, cultural awareness, and personal development, students are encouraged to think beyond traditional educational boundaries. This method not only enhances their English proficiency, but also prepares them to navigate complex societal issues and contribute positively to their communities.
Fostering social cohesion and tolerance
In a region where ethnic and religious diversity is both a strength and a source of tension, the program’s focus on social cohesion and tolerance is particularly vital. The student body of 144 Iraqi youth includes individuals from various backgrounds, many of whom have been directly affected by conflict and displacement. By bringing together students from different communities, the program creates a space for dialogue, mutual understanding, and the breaking down of prejudices.
The curriculum integrates activities and projects aimed at fostering teamwork, empathy, and respect for diverse perspectives. Through interactive games, group projects, field trips, and innovative language learning and communication methods, students can apply classroom strategies to real-world scenarios. These experiences promote cultural understanding, unity, tolerance, and social cohesion, values that enrich the students’ educational journey and support broader goals of peace and reconciliation in the region.
Prioritizing mental well-being
Recognizing the profound impact of trauma on learning and development, Access places a strong emphasis on mental well-being. Many students in the program have experienced significant psychological stress due to their past experiences. To address this, the program incorporates elements of psychological support and resilience-building into its curriculum.
Workshops on stress management, yoga for trauma recovery, self-care, and emotional intelligence are integrated into the learning process. Additionally, the program provides access to counseling services and creates a supportive environment where students feel safe to express their thoughts and emotions. By prioritizing mental health, the program thus ensures that students are not only academically equipped, but also emotionally resilient and capable of overcoming challenges.
A summer of learning
This summer, students are immersed in a unique and enriching experience designed to enhance their English language skills and cultural understanding. Over the course of two weeks, they engage in intensive English lessons for six hours each day that are aimed at improving grammar, vocabulary, and conversational skills. To complement classroom learning, students visit local cultural sites, gaining a deeper appreciation for Kurdistan and Iraq’s history and diverse cultural landscape.
During a visit to the University of Duhok’s American Corner, Access students interact with university students and faculty, inspiring them to pursue higher education. Additionally, organized picnics and outdoor games provide a fun, social environment where students can practice English and build friendships. This full immersion approach ensures constant language practice, leading to noticeable advancements in proficiency and motivation to learn.
Salma, a 14-year-old beneficiary of the Access program, reflected on the impact of the program thus far: “This course has been very beneficial. It has greatly improved my English reading and comprehension skills. I now understand the importance of English and believe it will help me a lot in college, providing many opportunities.”
Planting seeds for a brighter future
For the 144 Iraqi youth participating in the program, the benefits are profound. However, the effects of the program extend beyond the individual students. Supported by their teachers and communities, students will design, develop, and implement a collaborative project each year to benefit community development in Shekhan District.
As these young people grow and take on roles in their communities, they will carry with them the values and skills that they acquire through the program. Their ability to think critically, work collaboratively, and approach problems with empathy will contribute to the development of a more just, peaceful, and inclusive society.
The ultimate goal of Access is to plant the seeds for a brighter future for the participating youth. By equipping them with critical thinking skills, fostering social cohesion, and supporting their mental well-being, the program prepares students to become active, engaged, and compassionate members of society. In doing so, Access represents the transformative power of education when it prioritizes the holistic well-being and development of its students.
About the Free Yezidi Foundation
The Free Yezidi Foundation (FYF) is a non-partisan, Yezidi women-led non-profit organization established in response to the 2014 Yezidi Genocide. FYF is dedicated to the empowerment and support of the Yezidi and other ethnic and religious minority communities through the provision of comprehensive advocacy, justice, mental healthcare, psychosocial support, education, and livelihood services. With a special focus on women, girls, and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, FYF’s initiatives aim to enable those most vulnerable to rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience.
Olivia Wells is the Programs Director at the Free Yezidi Foundation, where she champions human rights. She holds a master’s degree in human rights law from the University of Cape Town, bringing extensive expertise to her advocacy role.
Cecilia Pedersen is a Programs and Development Officer at the Free Yezidi Foundation, specializing in sexual and reproductive health and rights as well as forced displacement. Her expertise contributes significantly to the foundation's initiatives.
