SÎLVA EL-ÎBRAHÎM

Manbij - The Committee of Social Affairs and Work in Manbij has held a literacy course for displaced women living in camps with the support of the members of the Education and Teachers Union. The course held in the al-Sharqi camp attracts intense attention from women.

These women have been living in the camp since 2017 since they had to leave their homeland due to conflicts.

125 women aged between 13 and 57 attended the literacy course held in July. According to the officials of the literacy course, the first stage of the course lasted three months and women will attend the second and third stages in the upcoming days.

“After 35 years…”

42-year-old Emel Mihemed was deprived of her right to education due to traditions and customs. “I am the eldest daughter of my family. I was able to go to school until second grade and then I had to drop out of school so that my siblings could go to school. Actually, I sacrificed myself so my brothers and sisters could go to school.” She helped her family by doing housework and working in the field.

Emel Mihemed is very happy to be able to learn how to read and write after 35 years. “After 35 years, I learn how to read and write. I used to feel sad because I did not know how to read and write. I was very impressed by the fighters during the operation to liberate Manbij.”

“We should believe in ourselves”

Emel Mihemed has focused on her education as if she avenges the years she lost. “Social pressure always prevents women from realizing their dreams. We can overcome social pressures by educating ourselves. We should believe in ourselves and not be afraid of anything.”

She realizes her childhood dream

47-year-old Oş El-Ereb is one of the women attending the literacy course. “My family did not send me to school. I was forced to stay at home in order to do the housework by my father. I got married at the age of 16. Learning how to read and write is my childhood dream. Now, I realize my childhood dream,” Oş El-Ereb said.