Education
Schools were destroyed in all the cities that fell under terrorists’ control.
Educational institutions in neighboring towns and villages not occupied by terrorists accepted refugee children as well as those who were just on their way back to ancestral lands. They were usually overcrowded, with shortages of equipment such as classroom boards, printers, or even cleaning products and heaters in the winter. It was necessary to provide them with a bare minimum to allow children to continue their education.
We purchased the most essential equipment for schools in Alqosh and Qaraqosh, among others.
One of them had 600 students at its peak (in comparison to 200 students before ISIS takeover). During the holiday break we helped to organize educational activities for the youngest ones as well as several one-day trips, for example to the swimming pool.
We have been emphasizing support for education since the very beginning of our work.
Therapeutic activities for women that survived ISIS captivity were combined with activities for children. After the sewing course was over, we started regular reading and writing lessons for its participants. The co-management of the educational centre in Khanke is an achievement we are particularly proud of.
We have been emphasizing support for education since the very beginning of our work.
Therapeutic activities for women that survived ISIS captivity were combined with activities for children. After the sewing course was over, we started regular reading and writing lessons for its participants. The co-management of the educational centre in Khanke is an achievement we are particularly proud of.
Educational centre for widows and orphans in Khanke
The center was created on the initiative of Ourbridge Foundation, which was established by the Yazidis living in Germany.
It is focused on educating children, mainly orphans and half-orphans, who went through ISIS captivity. Apart from teaching useful skills, the center’s idea is to give them hope for a better future. We have been engaged in supporting its functioning from the very beginning. We helped them run water and electricity lines to the building and co-financed the purchase of a school bus which every day collects children from the IDP camp and drives them safely back after classes are over.
Nearly 300 children from the nearby IDP camp and Khanke village participate daily in the center’s activities.
This number is constantly growing and thanks to regular support it may even reach 400 pupils.
In 2017 it hosted a hand and machine sewing course which we organized for a dozen or so women. They were former ISIS captives and widows whose husbands were murdered by terrorists. Currently, the sewing and crafts classes take place daily, in parallel with activities for children (See: Occupational therapies →).
Nearly 300 children from the nearby IDP camp and Khanke village participate daily in the center’s activities.
This number is constantly growing and thanks to regular support it may even reach 400 pupils.
In 2017 it hosted a hand and machine sewing course which we organized for a dozen or so women. They were former ISIS captives and widows whose husbands were murdered by terrorists. Currently, the sewing and crafts classes take place daily, in parallel with activities for children (See: Occupational therapies →).
The center operates on a morning and afternoon shift basis.
Educators, who are refugees themselves, teach classes according to a timetable which includes maths, physics, art and English. Since 2018 we have been supporting the center’s functioning with monthly donations to make its development free from financial concerns.
Once a week therapy sessions with a psychologist are held.
Many women and children are in a very poor mental state. They are still struggling to cope with trauma and tragic memories. Four families (single mothers and their children) live in the center permanently, occupying four specially prepared for them rooms adjoining the building. The husbands of all of the women were killed by terrorists.
Once a week therapy sessions with a psychologist are held.
Many women and children are in a very poor mental state. They are still struggling to cope with trauma and tragic memories. Four families (single mothers and their children) live in the center permanently, occupying four specially prepared for them rooms adjoining the building. The husbands of all of the women were killed by terrorists.