Yazidi@School: Bridging the Educational Gap

In Spring 2023, the documentary Daughters of the Sun by Reber Dosky, highlighted the struggles of young Yazidi women abducted by ISIS, as they rebuild their lives. After watching, Margaret, an educator, learned from survivor Faiza that education was their biggest challenge. Inspired to help, she traveled, with Reber Dosky and Angela Smits, soroptimist, to Kurdistan in May, to get permissions to teach and live in IDP Camp Mam Rashan. Her aim was to teach English and computer skills. As well as bring Music to the camps. Upon their return Yazidi@School was registered as an NGO in the Netherlands mid August 2023, initiated by Carla van Os.

Despite logistical hurdles, Margaret launched a pilot program in September 2023. With limited resources, and a suitcase full of flutes, shower curtain and bedding, she improvised, teaching 7 office staff as well as young teenagers in her room.
Rather early in the pilot program it became clear that in-person teaching in all the 14 Yazidi camps needed a huge organization, with a big budget similar to the USA Peace Corps.  After three months she returned home after this pilot and switched to on-line teaching. Recruiting teachers from multiple countries Yazidi@School started its on-line teaching program in March 2024 and so, Yazidi@School was established, offering free online English lessons to Yazidis eager to learn.

Today, volunteers from around the world teach 4+ hours weekly, covering levels A1 to C2. Many students are in their 20s, some in college or teaching in camps. The program addresses the education gap caused by the 2014 genocide and aims to enhance communication skills through structured lessons and reading activities.

Yazidi@School continues to grow, seeking more volunteer teachers and resources to expand its impact. By providing consistent education, the program empowers Yazidis with the skills needed to pursue higher education and career opportunities, helping them rebuild their lives after years of displacement and hardship.