Free literacy program in Batifa empowers women, addresses educational gaps​

BATIFA — The Zhedere Institute, a private organization focused on empowering students, has been offering free literacy courses in the Batifa district of Duhok for the past two years, aiming to improve reading and writing skills among residents. Last year, 80 women with limited literacy from the district participated in the program. This year, the initiative has resumed, and organizers expect even more participants.

According to the institute’s door-to-door surveys, 21% of the district’s population lacks basic reading and writing skills, with the majority being women who have expressed a desire to learn.

Zakariya Khalil, head of the institute, told 964media, “Participants in previous years were aged between 30 and 50, and most were women. Some didn’t know a single letter. After completing the course, they were able to communicate with their husbands through written notes and manage household matters in writing.”

He added, “Last year, 80 people gained basic literacy skills, and we expect more this year. The program is free of charge and will continue as a service to the community.”

Rondik Abdulsatar, a 36-year-old woman who completed the literacy course, shared her experience with 964media: “I didn’t even know what a letter or a word was. Now, I can read anything without difficulty. After finishing the course, I kept practicing to improve, so I can read faster and more fluently.”

The institute welcomes anyone interested in joining the free program, and the administration has stated they can accommodate a large number of participants by dividing them into multiple groups.

The literacy rate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has seen notable improvements in recent years. As of 2024, the rate of those lacking basic reading and writing skills stands at 16%, a significant drop from 24% in 2018. The Kurdistan Regional Government attributes this progress to several initiatives, including recruiting new teachers, improving educational infrastructure, and increasing focus on literacy programs.

Despite these improvements, literacy challenges remain more prevalent in rural areas, particularly among women who have historically faced limited access to education. In Batifa, as noted, up to 21% of the population struggles with literacy, largely due to socio-economic challenges and the lingering effects of conflict and displacement.

The region’s turbulent political history in the 20th century and its impact on educational access have contributed to higher rates of illiteracy, particularly among older generations.

Similar initiatives are underway across the country. Earlier this month, the Directorate of Education in Diyala launched a program led by volunteer teachers in the Khalis district and other areas, including Jalawla and Baqubah, to help students improve their literacy and comprehension skills. The program is part of an effort to address concerns about declining literacy rates among primary school students, particularly following the transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On International Literacy Day in 2023, Iraq’s Ministry of Oil also launched a literacy initiative, offering preparatory courses for workers in the oil sector to enhance their reading and writing skills.