Students in Derik: Education in Kurdish is our right

Students in the city of Derik issued a statement on Monday in front of the city's educational complex, expressing their rejection of a decision by the Syrian transitional government's Ministry of Education to limit Kurdish-language instruction in schools to three lessons per week.

Student Sima Derwish read the statement in Kurdish, saying that Kurdish students are demanding that instruction in both the literary and scientific streams be conducted in Kurdish. They also expressed their dissatisfaction with the ministry's decision, which requires them to study in a language other than their mother tongue.

The statement stressed that the students' demands do not constitute hostility towards any other language, but rather reflect their defence of their right to learn in their mother tongue. It also praised the teachers who have opposed the decision, reaffirming the students' right to continue their education in Kurdish.

The students concluded their statement by reaffirming their commitment to continuing the school boycott until Kurdish-language instruction is reinstated.

ANHA