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In the ever-evolving landscape of education in Kurdistan, the quest for a standardized school year remains a contentious issue, Kurdistan Teachers’ Union (KTU) President Abdulwahed Mohammad Haje explained. The academic calendar, marked by an array of holidays and interruptions, has long been a source of frustration for both educators and students.

A year of inconsistencies

The KTU leader highlighted that the current academic year is a patchwork of holidays and study days, with no consistent schedule. Teachers often find themselves racing against time to complete the curriculum, while students struggle to grasp the material in a meaningful way. The lack of a standardized schedule has led to numerous seminars and presentations by educators, all aimed at finding a solution to this persistent problem.

A call for reform

“Last year, I submitted a detailed report highlighting the discrepancies in the academic calendar. The report emphasized the need for a minimum of 220 study days per year, drawing comparisons with educational systems in other countries. Despite the data and recommendations, the report was met with resistance and little action was taken,” Haje added.

He went on to note that, recently, the Kurdistan Parliament's Committee of Education took a significant step by asking the Ministry of Education to formalize the academic calendar. In response, the Ministry proposed a schedule of 211 study days per year. While this number is closer to the desired standard, it remains unclear how it will be implemented given the current inconsistencies, he said.

An analysis of the proposed schedule reveals that only 155 study days are currently accounted for, far short of the 211 days declared by the Ministry. For Haje, this discrepancy poses a significant challenge for teachers and students alike, making it difficult to complete the curriculum and achieve educational goals.

Holidays, both planned and unplanned, further complicate the academic calendar, he insisted. “A single holiday often disrupts multiple days of study, as students and teachers struggle to regain momentum. The recent spring holiday, for example, extended from April 4th to April 29th, leaving students with a fragmented learning experience.”

Recommendations for improvement

To address these challenges, Haje went on to propose several measures:

• Limit holidays to essential religious and cultural occasions.
• Combine spring and winter holidays into a single break.
• Extend the academic year to compensate for emergency holidays.

By implementing these changes, we can ensure that the 211 study days are used effectively, fostering a more educated and capable generation, he said.

Haje concluded: “In a world driven by knowledge and innovation, every moment of learning is precious. It is imperative that we prioritise education and make the necessary adjustments to our academic calendar. By doing so, we can provide our students with the tools they need to succeed and contribute to a brighter future for Kurdistan.”