Education in Kurdistan: Between challenges and hopes
Between curriculum gaps and aging infrastructure, Kurdistan's educational system is at a turning point. Teachers and union leaders are calling for urgent reforms to ensure a better future for students.
The role of education in fostering the national identity
Kurdistan Teachers’ Union (KTU) President Abdulwahid Muhammad Haje emphasizes the importance of education in “preserving the nation's identity and fostering a sense of patriotism. The responsibility does not lie with teachers – they have consistently approached this matter with seriousness, making significant sacrifices and exerting considerable effort.”
He adds that the core problem lies in the curriculum, as “revisions were implemented too late following the uprising, and improvements have been gradual, weak, and insufficiently comprehensive. Certain subjects, such as Kurdish, English, History, Geography, Sociology, and Arabic, continue to experience serious deficiencies.”
Governmental efforts and shortcomings
While the Kurdish government has made efforts to foster a healthy society and responsible citizens through initiatives like teacher training programs and occasional financial support, the KTU leader highlights that, “with over forty years of teaching experience, I can say that these measures have never achieved the level necessary for providing a high-quality education.” He also highlights the lack of consistent funding and the mistreatment of teachers without formal investigation as significant barriers to educational progress.
The need for comprehensive reforms
M. Haje therefore calls for significant improvements in the curriculum, particularly in subjects central to fostering national identity, such as Kurdish and History. He notes: “Particular attention must be given to Kurdish and History, as they are central to fostering national identity. Kurdish education, in particular, requires urgent enhancement.” The division of the Kurdish language into two dialects and writing systems undermines students’ sense of unity and identity, sometimes causing tension and division, he stresses.
The impact of inadequate infrastructure
The educational environment in Kurdistan's schools is another significant concern. Haje explains that:
“The majority of schools do not provide a proper environment due to outdated equipment, lack of renovation in classrooms, absence of gardens and greenery, insufficient access to clean drinking water, unstable electricity, inadequate heating and cooling systems, and limited extracurricular activities.”
For him, these shortcomings are mainly the result of insufficient budget allocation by the Kurdistan Regional Government.
Teachers' dedication amidst challenges
Despite the challenges, teachers in Kurdistan remain dedicated to their profession and the nation. M. Haje acknowledges their efforts, saying that “teachers have consistently demonstrated their dedication to both education and the nation. However, they are often not provided with a supportive environment or sufficient professional training.”
Kurdistan's educational system is at a crossroads, facing numerous challenges but also opportunities for reform. The dedication of teachers and the need for comprehensive curriculum and infrastructure improvements are crucial for fostering a sense of national identity.
As Haje rightly underlines:
“The solution is clear: teachers must be adequately supported and valued, allowing them to dedicate their expertise, effort, and commitment to serving both their students and their nation.”
