10 Years after the Genocide: A Reunion in Sinjar

Yesterday marked the 10 year anniversary of the genocide against the Yazidi. Our students, who live in nearby refugee camps, have never forgotten that terrible period of time. For over a century now, they have found refuge and education with us at the Our Bridge school in Northern Iraq.

On Friday, our school's management team visited the Sinjar region, the home of our students that they were forced to flee from 10 years ago. Besides remembering the victims in a ceremony, we met a few of our previous students like Asmahan and Ayhan.

Asmahan and Ayhan were part of our school for over 3 years and lived in the Khanke refugee camp. A month ago, they left the Our Bridge school because their family had decided to return to Sinjar and rebuild their life and home.

We are like a family at our Our Bridge school. The reuinion with our team brought Asmahan and Ayhan much joy, but they also shared their sadness and memories of their friends in Khanke, in particular their best friend Julia. Furthermore, Asmahan really misses our English classes. She learned a lot of English at our school and now wants to further her knowledge in Sinjar.

The Sinjar region is sadly still partly destroyed and suffers from the lack of infrastructure, schools and hospitals. Despite these challenges, Asmahan and Ayhan were happy about our visit. You are always in our hearts and always welcome to visit us in Khanke.