Where we've been... Why we do what we do...
In 2003 we taught classes in the Department of English at Dohuk University and saw the need firsthand for additional English programs in the university system and in the communities in general.
During the summer of 2004 we established the MELIK English program with a full-time program in Dohuk and a part-time program in Erbil. We had 400 registered students in 20 classesand between the two cities. Classes in Dohuk were held for 10 weeks with each class lasting 4-6 hours. Classes in Erbil were part-time.
Our 2005 program expanded to full-time classes in Erbil and a new full-time summer program in Zakho. We had almost 900 students between the three cities. Six of our summer teachers stayed on during the 2005-2006 school year and worked salaried jobs for either the Ministry of Education (in Dohuk and Erbil) or for the University of Salahaddin (in Erbil).
Our 2006-2007 summer and school year programs were staffed by our three teachers who worked for the University of Salahaddin in Erbil. We helped to establish the Language Centre of the University of Salahaddin, which has a continuing English conversation program for university students in Erbil.
Starting in 2007, we've held our summer programs exclusively in the city of Zakho.
2007 - We had four teachers and 136 students who were eager to learn English conversation! We taught a well-attended Kurdish-English literacy class for the first time, which students and teachers alike enjoyed.
2008 - We had 8 teachers, 2 kids on our team that were our assistant teachers, and 188 students in 6 levels of classes (literacy through advanced). We taught an enthusiastic Book 5 class for the first time. Also for the first time we held classes 5 days / week for 2 hours a day over a period of 6 weeks. Halfway through our program we took a short break for the teachers to take a road trip to a neighboring city to visit some other English teachers!
2009 - We had 11 teachers, 2 kids on our team that were our assistant teachers, about 185 students in 6 levels of classes (literacy through advanced). This year we had two literacy classes. We held classes again 5 days / week for 2 hours a day over a peiod of 6 weeks. For the first time we were able to have some "electives" classes in which we played fun games.
We are looking for 10-12 teachers for our summer 2010 program in Zakho. We'd like to continue our focus on relationship building with our students outside of our two-hour classes. Come and join us!
Our students respond positively to our interactive teaching style and modern methods, and they enjoyed using our "New Bridges" English materials, which are designed especially for them.
The president of the University of Dohuk is delighted with our program and interest in community development. Both the University of Dohuk and the University of Salahaddin in Erbil are eager to employ native speakers who hold an M.A. as teachers in their univeristy programs during the school year with monthly salaries, free housing, and a few other benefits. The Minister of Education is delighted that we're a part of the educational system and welcomes us warmly.
The latest information on pre-field training, travel to Iraq, teaching, textbooks, etc. is all right here.
