‘ never too late’
‘ never too late’ Aramaic schools keep the language alive By Weam Namou Some children travel long distances each day by bus. With the establishment of the UN Safe Haven in northern Iraq immediately following the Gulf War in 1991, the Assyrian and Kurdish communities became free of central governmental control and were finally able to establish their own schools. For the Assyrians, this marked a historic first where eventually more than 5,000 Assyrian Chaldean Syriac students in 55 schools are being taught an entire school curriculum in the Aramaic language. English, Arabic and Kurdish are also taught as secondary languages. “Our country Iraq is the source of where this language started,” said Mikhael Benjamin of the Nineveh Research Center in a recently released documentary. “We have many institutions around the world who are teaching this language. But here in Iraq, we had none.” 20 Miles Closer to Nineveh, directed by Lawrence Mansour and sponsored by the Assyrian Aid Society, is a half-hour documentary released on November 11. It showcases the history, life and struggles of the Assyrian schools primarily through the eyes of the school principals, teachers and students. “Any other nation, like our Arab brothers and our Kurdish brothers, want to empower their language, so why shouldn’t we?” asked Edward Hermiz, principal of Balosuryata High School. Saddam’s rule of Arabization had threatened the existence of Aramaic, and very few people were able to read or write it. In 1991, the Assyrian Aid Society decided to put the language in an academic setting. “In the beginning of the project there were many obstacles and that is something very natural,” said Benjamin. “Every beginning requires time to progress.” One of the major problems facing the schools was convincing parents that their children would have the same opportunities for success in a newly established school as students attending Arabic schools. Parents were worried about what would happen to the students after they completed elementary-grade levels. “[Despite uncertainties], we stood strong and so did our nation,” said Marcus Toma, a member of the Assyrian Aid Society. “Together, we decided we would teach our children our own language even if we knew it wouldn’t get us anywhere. By creating this institution, even if we didn’t have any more schools, this language will still survive for the next 300 years.” The schools didn’t have instructors who were able to teach the material in Aramaic. There was also the problem of students and teachers requiring transportation. And there was the need for dormitories for those who couldn’t commute on a daily basis. Books in physics, chemistry, history and other subjects had to be printed, many of which were copied in black and white and distributed to students. Students study their lesson. “The student is not really able to read and concentrate on the material because he sees other students having books in other languages that are colorful, vivid and full of images yet his does not,” said Toma. AAS is translating into Aramaic the current textbooks for all grades in the Assyrian schools, a project funded by the Assyrian Universal Alliance Foundation in Chicago. Newly purchased Apple Macintosh computers and specialized publishing and editing software developed by a company in Damascus will enable the Assyrian schools to provide their students with the most up-to-date textbooks available. “We spent thousands of dollars copying material and distributing it to students that the government doesn’t provide for,” said Toma. In 20 Miles Closer to Nineveh, one sees how although the Iraqi government failed to provide major funding for the schools, AAS has over time built 26 elementary schools and eight high schools, printed more than 20,000 books, and donated more than million to this project. “Our goal is that the Assyrian language does not become extinct,” said Ashur Eskrya, president of the Assyrian Aid Society, “that it does not only remain on rocks and in churches.” Given the lack of government support, aren’t they afraid of running out of funds? “We believe in our schools,” said Michael Sana, president of the Assyrian Aid Society of America’s Michigan Chapter. “We will never give up on them. If no one will help us, there’s always God.” Proud students were happy to express their utmost fondness of their schools, which evidently bonded them more tightly to their country. “They [the schools] revealed to me what is nationalism. They revealed to me who I am,” said one. “No matter what the condition of Iraq is, it’s our country and we will stay,” said another. “We believe that if the people before us could build it, we could.” Having produced highly accomplished students so far, many who went to college and graduated with honors, AAS’s next goal is to build a university in the Nineveh Plains, a project already in its start-up phase. Although some 3 million people live in the Province of Mosul, there is only one university. Approximately 4,000 to 4,500 students travel from Nineveh to Mosul every day to attend class, a long and dangerous trip due to terrorist activities. “A university is the main establishment of a society,” said Hermiz. “If you want a nation to move forward its people need to finish college.” “This will happen and it should have happened from before,” said Younan Hozaya, former Minister of Energy for the KRG. “But like they say in English, it’s never too late.” To receive a copy of 20 Miles Closer to Nineveh, drop a line to ishtarissa@yahoo.com, or visit AssyrianAid.org. 48 CHALDEAN NEWS DECEMBER 2011
It’s all about the Spirit within each of us. Call 866-501-DOCS (3627) for a Providence physician Every moment spent in the wonder of creation enriches us. Find it in holy prayer, in an infant’s sweet breath, in a snowflake that is like no other. This holiday season, re-discover your awe in every experience of your life. Let God’s handiwork take your breath away. Joy to a world that lives the holiday spirit throughout the year. Happy Holidays! A PASSION for HEALING HOSPITALS IN SOUTHFIELD AND NOVI www.sakurafusionsushi.com cosMeTic surgery of The nose (RHINOPLASTY) We specialize in catering both large and small parties. For more information please contact Wilson at 248-854-3393 Fantastically Fresh The Doctors... Doctors Recommend • Ear, Nose, Throat • Head & Neck Surgery • Facial Plastic Surgery • Cosmetic Surgery • Ear Surgery • Otolaryngic Allergy • Audiology/Hearing Aids • Snoring/Sleep Apnea • Derma Fillers “E.N.T Surgical Associates are specialists in improving the appearance and function of the nose.” Dr. Warren BranDes Dr. TeD schWarTzenfelD Dr. Jeffrey MileWski Call today and receive HALF OFF a Cosmetic Consultation Japanese Fusion Restaurant 6866 N. Rochester Rd. • Rochester Hills, MI 48306 Conveniently located in the Papa Joe’s Plaza Tel: (248) 608-3867 • Fax: (248) 608-3908 Open 7 Days A Week Mon-Thurs: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm • Fri-Sat: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm Sun: Noon – 9:45pm 28080 Grand River, Ste 205W Farmington Hills, MI 48336 248-478-8616 Fax 248-478-0138 4160 John R, Ste 805 Detroit, MI 48201 313-831-1444 Fax 313-831-8307 27483 Dequindre, Ste 201 Madison Heights, MI 48071 248-541-0100 Fax 248-399-3960 1030 Harrington, Ste 105 Mt. Clemens, MI 48043 586-751-6990 Fax 586-558-5752 www.entallergy.com 28295 Schoenherr, Ste B Warren, MI 48088 586-751-6990 Fax 586-558-5752 50505 Schoenherr, Ste 300 Shelby Township, MI 48315 586-997-3099 Fax 586-726-8085 DECEMBER 2011 CHALDEAN NEWS 49
