Assyrian New Year festivities raise awareness of need for school restoration

The Assyrian Aid Society (AAS) hosts a regular morning tea that raises funds for the renovation of Assyrian schools located in villages in northern Iraq.

A display of Assyrian traditional dress. Credit: SBS Assyrian

On the occasion of the Assyrian New Year festivities, a morning tea was organised to raise awareness about the urgent need for the restoration and renovation of the Assyrian school located in the village of Bikhitme.

The breakfast table Credit: SBS Assyrian

June Ishtar Yako, AAS community relations coordinator, highlighted the dire condition of the school, stating that many classrooms had cracks in the walls with some on the verge of collapsing altogether.

June Ishtar Yako Credit: SBS Assyrian

Peter Esho, the newly elected president of the society, shared his reasons for joining the AAS, emphasising its transparency and sound governance system, where every cent is audited and accounted for.

AAS President, Peter Esho. Credit: Peter Esho

A fashion show was held during the event, showcasing traditional attire worn in both the past and present by Assyrian villagers from the Nineveh Plains district.

A group of Assyrian women members of the Assyrian Cultural and Social Youth Association (ACSYA) modelled the costumes.

SBS Assyrian had an opportunity to interview two members of ACSYA, who were also involved in the costume display.

Credit: SBS Assyrian

Jennifer Shahin, ACSYA secretary, is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Media with a focus on journalism and communications, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Arts with a major in politics and international relations and a minor in History.

Credit: ACSYA.jpg

Ms Shahin wore the traditional attire of the village of Bakhdida. She expressed her passion for promoting the diversity of Assyrian costumes beyond the commonly known Khomala dress.

Ms Shahin said she aimed to raise awareness about the beauty and uniqueness of various Assyrian costumes.

She said that studying media and journalism would help her to promote the Assyrian nation.

In Assyrian, the word "gelyonara" means "journalist" and is rooted from the word "glayta" which means "revealing" and that's what journalism is about.

Jennifer Shahin

Another participant in the fashion show was Babel Esho, a member of ACSYA, wearing the costume of the village of Botan.

Ms Esho explained that ACSYA was essential in promoting Assyrian culture and history to Assyrian youth.

Babel Esho wearing a Botan Dress. Credit: ACSYA/Stella Kina.jpg

"It is very encouraging to see so many Assyrian youth participating in the event, strengthening the bond between Assyrian organisations and young people," Ms Esho said.