SORGUL ŞÊXO

Hasakah - Turkey has committed hundreds of rights violations by targeting civilians in North and East Syria, the infrastructure of the region, and assemblies serving citizens. It has also targeted and destroyed schools. Thus, thousands of students have been deprived of their right to education. Despite these rights violations, the culture of revolution has been spreading across NE Syria. The people in the region have developed alternatives for the common life. While the attacks on the region continue, the Education Committees in Hasakah and Tell Tamer have turned houses into schools for children to determine their future. Children now write down their hopes and dreams.

The situation of schools in the areas under attacks

According to the Education Committee, there are 18 schools under attack in Tell Tamer and six of them were shelled. The Education and Training Committee of Hasakah city in Northern and Eastern Syria and the School Management Committee of Tall Tamer town have developed a joint project. They have turned seven houses in seven villages into schools. 173 students, including primary and secondary school students, have received education in these seven villages. We went to the village of Bab El-Ferec, located in the north of Tell Tamer town to learn more about this alternative education method and spoke to Emine Mihemed, a teacher at the school.

They had to stop education

Emine Mihemed began to talk about violations committed by Turkey in the region. “Our school was bombed by the Turkish state and Turkey-backed factions. And we had to stop education. Students continued their education for about three months after the attack on Serêkaniyê. However, the school was attacked again so we had to interrupt the education completely to protect the students. The Turkish state has violated all national and international conventions by targeting schools,” she told us.

They have turned a house into a school

Emine Mihemed stated that they have created alternatives for students to continue their education. “The war continues but the students missed their school. They wanted to continue their education with their friends in classes. Even during the bombardment, we didn’t stop working; we were looking for alternatives for students to continue their education. A family in the village of Bab El-Ferec gave us their house to use as a school. This house is a 15-year-old house made of mud. We renewed the house as much as we could. The School Management Committee gave us the board and many school materials. And we started the 2021-2022 academic year. Now, we use the house as the school.”

 War causes the education period to be longer

Speaking about how they keep giving education under attack, Emine Mihemed said, “The war causes the education period to be longer. We don’t allow the children to come to school during the bombardment. Due to the ongoing attacks, the students cannot learn all letters and they cannot write their names even if two years have passed. For this reason, we decided to open a school in a house. Knowledge is the cornerstone of society. Children need education as they need bread and water. Despite all challenges and attacks, we will continue to teach.” Pointing out that Turkey has been violating international conventions; Emine Mihemed stated that Turkey puts the lives of children in danger.

 Ongoing war affects children

 Speaking about the children's desire for learning and for going to school, Emine Mihemed said, “Children want to learn. They come to school every day. Despite the ongoing bombardment, they have not lost their enthusiasm for learning. Children know they are in a war and they are aware of how education is important for them.” Emphasizing that the war affects the psychology of children negatively, she said, “Reopening the school helps them to get away from the atmosphere of the war.  The war has also affected children's games. Their games are mostly about artilleries, guns, and war jets.”

 Children learn Arabic, science, math…

 Stating that the school consists of four rooms, and six classrooms, Emine Mihemed said, “It is only elementary school. Children learn Arabic, science, math, society, life, and sports. We reopened the school this year and we can't give all the lessons. The families of the students support us for their children’s education.”