Asmaa's Return to School: A Second Chance at Success

Dohuk, Iraq, 15 Jan. 2024 - In the face of adversity, Asmaa Khalaf's remarkable return to school stands as a shining example of how compassionate initiatives can rekindle the flames of hope. Following a two-year hiatus from her school, Asmaa's triumphant comeback was made possible through UNICEF ‘Back to Learning’ campaign, working hand in hand with the Directorate of Education and funded by the United States Government. 

Asmaa’s Challenging Past 

Asmaa Khalaf, a 17-year-old Yazidi girl, was born on 25 September 2006, and hails from Tal Ozeer in Sinjar district, Ninewa governorate, Iraq. Her life took a significant turn in 2014 when her family was forced to flee their hometown due to an ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) attack. They sought refuge in the harsh mountains, fighting for survival for eight grueling days. Ultimately, they found shelter in the Bajed Kandala camp in Dohuk governorate, where they have been living ever since. Asmaa has two older siblings: a brother who completed his accounting college studies, and a sister currently studying nursing at a university in Zakho district. She also has two younger siblings in grades 8 and 5. 

Asmaa shares how eight families that she knew were captured by ISIL, including her father's uncle and his son. These two families were very close, and Asmaa and her cousin had a strong bond. They shared food and dreams, but those dreams were abruptly cut short when the families disappeared, leaving their loved ones in uncertainty. 

A Turning Point: The 'Back to Learning’ Initiative 

Two years ago, Asmaa was in Grade 9; she was doing well without failing any year. Despite her success, she had no genuine enthusiasm for school and contemplated quitting. "I didn't find school enjoyable, and the idea of going there often gave me headaches, which further dampened my motivation. Additionally, the financial situation at home was not encouraging me to attend school and incur extra expenses,” she says openly. Furthermore, the distressing events that her family endured, and the loss of her relatives, also profoundly affected her motivation to study. Despite her mom’s encouragement, she dropped out of school for two years. 

During that time, community members, including some of her teachers, tried to persuade her to return to school, but she had a strong aversion to it. "For me, it was nonsense, and it wouldn't change my mind,” she says. 

Ali, from the Directorate of Education in Dohuk governorate, visited their home and engaged in conversations with her. He emphasized how important education could be for her, how it could benefit her life in numerous ways, making it easier and providing opportunities for employment and financial independence, as part of the ‘Back to Learning’ program, which is designed to reach out to young individuals like Asmaa who had stepped away from the classroom due to various obstacles.  

After hearing what Ali and the teachers had to say, and thanks to her newfound dream of joining security forces, she warmed up to the idea of going back. Her admiration for the service they provide to protect people from violence, especially children and women, convinced her to return to school. 

This initiative not only gave Asmaa the invaluable opportunity to continue her education but also offered her a sense of optimism, a fresh start, and renewed hope for the future. 

Shamo Qasim, the school manager at Bajed Kandala, was very happy to hear that Asmaa had returned to school and pursues her dreams. "I would like to urge all parents in our community to wholeheartedly support their children in completing their studies. Remember, the impact of education goes beyond the individual; it enriches not only families but also the entire community," he says. 

Note: In order to protect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals mentioned in this story, some of the names have been altered.