K. Star: Mother-tongue education is natural right everyone must support

Today, Kongra Star issued a statement to the public in Qamishlo regarding the decision by the Ministry of Education in Syria’s transitional government to limit Kurdish-language classes to just three periods per week.

In its statement, Kongra Star stressed that the mother tongue is a fundamental part of identity and that everyone has the legitimate right to receive education in their own language. The statement was delivered in Qamishlo with the participation of female members of the Kongra Star representing various communities, in front of the Martyrs’ Roundabout.

The statement was read in Kurdish and Arabic in Martyrs’ Square in central Qamishlo. Teacher Ibtisam Hussein read the Kurdish version, while Fatima Hassan al-Jassim, a member of the Martyrs’ Families Council, read the Arabic version.

The statement read: “Believing that language is not merely a means of communication, but an integral part of a person’s identity, memory and culture, we declare our support for the right of all communities to receive education in their mother tongues, as this is a fundamental linguistic, educational and cultural right.”

The statement noted that upholding this right means respecting the languages of others and recognizing that rights cannot be separated when identity, culture and education are at stake. The statement added that “On this basis, we reaffirm our support for the Kurdish community’s right to education in Kurdish, the Syriac community’s right to education in Syriac, the Assyrian community’s right to education in Assyrian, and the Arab community’s right to education in Arabic.” It is also stressed that every linguistic and cultural community has the right to preserve its language and educate its children in it.

The statement explained that educational experience has shown that children are better able to understand, learn and express themselves when they receive education in their mother tongue.

It said, “Therefore, enabling children to learn in their mother tongues supports their right to an education that respects their identity, preserves their language and gives them a natural opportunity to learn and grow.”

The statement called on members of all communities, teachers, intellectuals and community groups to support this right and stand with everyone demanding education for their children in their mother tongue.

Concluding its statement, Kongra Star affirmed that linguistic and cultural equality is the path toward a fairer and more cohesive society. It described linguistic and cultural diversity as a treasure that must be protected, declaring: “Our language is our identity, and the language of others is their identity. Respecting all identities is our shared responsibility.”

At the end of the event, the participants chanted slogans celebrating the mother tongue.

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ANHA