185,000 students register to study in Kurdish in Syria

Following Syrian transitional government Ministry of Education and Teaching Decision No. 964/2068, issued on August 27, which limited Kurdish-language instruction in public schools to only three classes per week in Kurdish-majority areas, widespread protests have been held across Kurdish areas in rejection of the decision. Kurdish families in several villages in Hama Governorate have also called for the opening of Kurdish-language schools.

In this context, a source from the Publications Office in Hasakah Governorate told ANHA agency that an initial tally of students registered to study in Kurdish in Hasakah, Aleppo, Damascus and Hama has been compiled. The source stressed that the figures remain preliminary, as students have refused to register in protest against the Education Ministry’s latest decision.

According to the source, 81,333 students have registered in Hasakah Governorate, while 53,108 students have registered in Kobani and 47,044 in Afrin. The number of students registered in Damascus and Hama stands at 3,728.

The total number of students registered in these areas therefore stands at 185,213, according to the preliminary tally.

The source noted that the figures remain preliminary and could rise in the coming period, as student protests against the decision have affected the registration process, which has not yet been completed at many schools.

Syrian presidential adviser Mazloum Abdi urged Kurdish students and their families in a message yesterday to complete the new academic year, pledging further efforts to secure official recognition for the Kurdish language.

a.k

ANHA