“Our right to Kurdish Language must be guaranteed in constitution”

The Syrian Ministry of Education’s decision concerning the Kurdish language has sparked angry reactions among students and teachers in Kobanê.

Commenting on the decision, Kurdish language teacher Leyla Qahro said: “For 14 years, we have learned and taught in our language despite difficult circumstances. This is our mother tongue, and it must be recognized in the Syrian Constitution. A decision by the Ministry of Education alone is not enough.”

She explained that teaching school subjects in Arabic would create major obstacles for students, adding: “Students have been receiving education in Kurdish for 14 years, so it will be very difficult for them to study in Arabic.”

She stressed: “We have a legitimate right to study and receive education in our own language.”

“We Will Continue to Demand Education in Kurdish”

Arhan Asad, a student in the Kurdish Literature Department, said she was currently studying her mother tongue at university.

“We will never accept the Syrian Ministry of Education’s decision requiring all our subjects to be taught in Arabic, because we have been receiving education in our mother tongue for many years, and this will create major difficulties,” she said.

She continued: “As Kurdish youth and students, we reject the imposition of any language other than Kurdish on us. We also completely reject limiting Kurdish-language instruction to three hours per week. We have struggled hard for the right to study in our language.”

“Education in Kurdish Is a Fundamental Right”

Kurdish literature teacher Necah Ibrahim said: “Kurdish children have the right to receive education in their own language. All children should learn in their mother tongue, as mother-tongue education is a fundamental right and has a significant impact on developing their intellectual abilities.”

She called on the relevant authorities and the transitional government to repeal decisions restricting the Kurdish language and constitutionally guarantee the right to receive education in Kurdish in schools and institutes, ensuring equality and justice among all components of society.

a.k

ANHA