Rojava University to Damascus: Kurdish-language backlash — '12 years of gains being ignored'
RastinewsRojava University sharply criticized the Syrian Ministry of Education's decision to reduce Kurdish-language class hours to 3 per week. The university described the move as "a regression that hinders the development of the education system."
Rojava University has raised an academic objection to the Syrian government's decision to restrict Kurdish-language classes in the education curriculum.
In a statement issued in Kurdish and Arabic by the university administration, it was emphasized that the decision threatens 12 years of scientific accumulation and educational quality in the region.
"Kurdish is not just a language of literature, but a language of medicine and engineering"
The statement recalled that over the past 12 years, Kurdish has been established as the primary language of instruction at every stage of education in Rojava Kurdistan, and that considerable experience has been gained as a result. Noting that the decision does not align with academic realities, the statement said:
"The use of the mother tongue has not been limited to literary departments; courses in fields of science such as medicine, mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering have also been successfully taught in Kurdish. Reducing Kurdish to just 3 hours a week will weaken students' comprehension and analytical abilities and will erase 12 years of gains."
Emphasis on international standards
Drawing attention to the importance of mother-tongue education, the university stressed that this move by the Damascus administration runs counter to international educational conventions and norms that promote education in the mother tongue.
The statement warned that the decision would pose serious academic risks to students' futures.
Proposed solution: A bilingual education model
Rather than restricting Kurdish-language classes, Rojava University proposed a "bilingual" education model as a more modern and scientific solution.
It stated that under this internationally recognized model, teaching the sciences and social sciences in both Kurdish and Arabic could protect students' linguistic rights while strengthening social cohesion.
Call to Damascus: Reconsider the decision
Stressing that mother-tongue education is both an academic matter and a fundamental human right, Rojava University called on the Damascus administration and relevant authorities to reconsider the decision to reduce Kurdish-language classes.
The university stated that the gains achieved over the past 12 years must be defended in order to preserve educational quality and secure students' futures.
Source: Rûdaw