Exciting New Beginnings: Yazidi@School Launches Online English Classes!

This week, Yazidi@School proudly began online English classes for 61 Yazidi students living in IDP camps across Kurdistan! Our team of six volunteer teachers brings a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm—two are retired professionals, four are actively working, and one has just graduated. It’s truly a dream come true for so many.

From the very start, Margaret’s vision has been clear: English courses to all Yazidi camps so that they all have equal access to education. Most programs tend to be short-term and limited to just one camp, but there are 14 Yazidi camps in total. Sinjar Academy started in 2022 on line and some classes in person. They were the first to reach many Yezidi through online classes.

Last fall, while living inside Mam Rashan camp, I quickly realized the challenge of expanding the program across all camps. The costs of renting spaces, transportation, and logistics would be enormous. A large, well-funded organization like the USA Peace Corps would be needed. But right now, we’re a small NGO run by a few dedicated individuals, ages 22 to 77, supported by countless caring friends and supporters. Thanks to all of you, our in-person pilot program became a reality!

And the results? They’ve exceeded expectations—because starting online classes means we can now reach 61 students across five different camps in Iraq. How exciting is that?

A special thank-you to Alaa, a talented young engineer who recently graduated (but has not found a job yet, since engineering jobs for Yezidi are sadly scarce), and he now works as a full-time curriculum developer and teacher at Sinjar Academy His support and encouragement have been invaluable as we find our footing.

What is the future? More teachers, from all over the globe (if you are interested: please contact me!), so we can establish a solid continuous program for the Yazidi who need a good English foundation for their futures.