Back in the Classroom: Celebrating the Transformative Power of Education

Today, we invite you to join us in celebrating the success of our accelerated education project in northern Iraq. Your support has played a vital role in making this initiative a reality, and we are excited to share with you the significant impact it is having on the lives of displaced young Yazidis.

Now in its second year, our accelerated education project continues to provide hope and opportunities to those who have endured unimaginable hardships. Last year’s project laid the foundation for what has emerged as a transformative force, offering vital educational resources and support to young Yazidis who have been deprived of learning opportunities due to conflict and displacement. Generous support from the Educational Opportunity Foundation has allowed this project to continue and become a source of empowerment for the community.

This is an important and necessary project. It will change the future of students and especially help them achieve their results

Ghanem Illyas Saleem, Executive Director, Ghasin Al-Zaiton

Why Accelerated Education?
Accelerated education programmes provide an expedited pathway for young people to catch up on missed education and attain essential knowledge and skills rapidly. This is especially crucial for those who have experienced prolonged disruptions to their education due to conflict and displacement. Without such opportunities, these young people may face delays in their educational progress, hindering their ability to pursue higher education or gain employment opportunities.

Furthermore, accelerated education programmes offer a way to re-engage and motivate displaced young people in their learning journey. These programmes are designed to be flexible, inclusive, and tailored to the specific needs of the learners, providing a supportive environment for them to rebuild their confidence and academic abilities. For minority communities like the Yazidis in northern Iraq, who have endured significant trauma and upheaval, the provision of accelerated education programmes can serve as a beacon of hope and empowerment, giving young people the chance to rebuild their futures and contribute positively to their communities.

Moreover, accelerated education programmes play a crucial role in preventing a lost generation among displaced young people. In conflict-affected regions such as northern Iraq, where the displacement of minority communities has lasted for years, there is the very real risk of a generation of young people being left behind without access to quality education and the necessary skills to thrive in the future. Accelerated education programmes offer a lifeline in mitigating this risk, ensuring that young people have the opportunity to rapidly acquire the knowledge and competencies required to move forward in their lives, thereby contributing to the rebuilding and development of their communities.

The future prospects for displaced minority communities in Iraq, including the Yazidis, hinge on the availability of comprehensive support, including access to education, psychosocial services, and opportunities for economic empowerment. Accelerated education programmes offer a critical pathway for enhancing the future prospects of displaced young people. By equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge, these programmes can contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty and vulnerability, empowering young people to become drivers of positive change within their communities.

"My goal is to help people"

After ten years living in the camp, Ala dreams of a better future. This project helps her believe that she has not been forgotten and her future hopes are not extinguished.

Your support, whether through prayer, donations, or simply spreading the word about our work, has made a tangible difference in the lives of minority communities in the Middle East. With your continued commitment, we can amplify the impact of our accelerated education project and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow for the young Yazidis in northern Iraq.