The hearts behind the digital classroom

Our volunteers

Meet the international team transforming the future of Yazidi students through education. Every person on this page gives their time for free.

Teaching faculty
Anastasia, English teacher

Anastasia

Teacher

Anastasia lives in Amsterdam and speaks English, Italian, Russian and German. After her studies she worked as an Italian language assistant in Germany, and has since coached language learners online. She enjoys creating a friendly, encouraging environment where people feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and improving step by step.

“Learning a new language can open up opportunities, build confidence, and help people connect with each other.”

Tina, English teacher

Tina

Teacher

Tina is from Lesotho and is a teacher by profession, specialising in ESL, geography and development studies. She has been teaching for more than four years and has worked with students from around the world.

Faren Cedras, teaching assistant

Faren Cedras

Teaching Assistant

Faren is from South Africa and teaches B1 level English while studying to become a qualified English teacher. She loves connecting with new people and learning more about astrology.

“My purpose in life is to empower people through the English language.”

Vicky, English teacher

Vicky

Teacher

With nearly a decade of experience, Vicky is a passionate ESL teacher dedicated to helping adult learners from all backgrounds unlock the power of language. A native English speaker from the U.S. now living in Argentina, she is also fluent in Spanish. She has worked with learners across Europe and Latin America, and in early 2025 began volunteering as an English tutor for people affected by conflicts in the Middle East.

“Learning English doesn't replace your roots — it helps you share them.”

María, English teacher

María

Teacher

An enthusiastic ELT teacher with extensive experience delivering online and on-site English lessons to students of diverse ages and learning styles. CELTA qualified and currently studying for a Bachelor of Learning Design and Technology, with a specialism in neuroscience for educators. Based in Argentina.

Donna, English teacher

Donna

Teacher

Donna has over ten years of teaching experience in Italy, holds CELTA and TEFL certifications, and takes pride in her Filipino and Italian heritage. She works as an English Speaking Examiner and serves as DOS Coordinator for Young Learners at a private language school in Italy. She joined us in October 2025.

“While some may promote conflict, let us stay committed to nurturing peace.”

Azra Qazi, education specialist

Azra Qazi

Teacher

An education specialist with a strong background in teacher training and curriculum development. Azra combines expertise with a warm, people-centred approach that makes learning engaging and meaningful, and is passionate about making education accessible and impactful.

Basma Sulaiman, English teacher

Basma Sulaiman

Teacher

An English language teacher, writer and community educator from Sinjar, Iraq. With over seven years of teaching experience, Basma is passionate about empowering youth and women through education, and has worked with local and international organisations in education, protection and women's empowerment.

Aysegul, English teacher

Aysegul

Teacher

A retired teacher once said, “Once a teacher, always a teacher.” Though the demands of the school system had become exhausting, the joy of connecting with students remained. When Margaret introduced Yazidi At School, it became a lifeline — a community of eager minds, resilient spirits, and teachers united by passion.

Chiara, English teacher

Chiara

Teacher

A freelance English teacher for over ten years, working with both children and adults. Through online lessons with the Yazidi community she brings creative and engaging methods to spark curiosity and confidence, focusing on building trust and a safe space where students feel free to express themselves.

Berivan, English teacher and translator

Berivan

Teacher

A dedicated English teacher, translator and interpreter with a deep passion for language and education. Her professional work spans proofreading, subtitling, voice-over and localisation. She also volunteers as an English teacher at the Yazidi School in Amsterdam.

Mahnoor Saghir, reading teacher

Mahnoor Saghir

Reading Teacher

Growing up in Pakistan, Mahnoor always dreamed of becoming a teacher — practising with her stuffed toys, even giving them tests. She is now studying Teacher Education at the University of Amsterdam. As our Reading Teacher she works through novels and short stories with her students.

Programme & support team
Nasr Alyas, IT specialist

Nasr Alyas

IT Specialist

Nasr supports the team by implementing IT solutions such as Moodle, assisting with donated laptops, and making sure our educational programmes run smoothly through the effective use of technology. His work reflects a strong commitment to giving back to the community in Sinjar.

Ilah Ross, Yazidis in Conversation coordinator

Ilah Ross

Yazidis in Conversation Coordinator

Ilah coordinates the Yazidis in Conversation programme alongside her sister, Micah. She studies Religion, English and Creative Writing at university, has experience in journalism, and volunteers at an organisation editing articles for incarcerated populations.

Micah Ross, Yazidis in Conversation coordinator

Micah Ross

Yazidis in Conversation Coordinator

Micah coordinates the Yazidis in Conversation programme alongside her sister, Ilah. She studied Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic at university and previously volunteered at the Serres refugee camp in Northern Greece, where many Yazidis reside.

Mustafa Dakhil, volunteer

Mustafa Dakhil

Volunteer

Mustafa studied Mathematical Sciences at the University of Zakho, gaining skills in creative thinking, adaptability, problem-solving, teamwork and leadership. Ambitious and well-organised, he believes every person has a mission in life, and that his is guided by positivity and contribution.

Join the faculty

There is room for you here

Teachers, conversation partners and technical mentors are all needed. Every role is remote, flexible, and as small as one hour a week.

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