In Nashville, Tennessee, also called Little Kurdistan, the Kurdish language education movement continues to grow stronger. A recent ceremony celebrated the graduation of 64 Kurdish-American students from a language course designed to reconnect them with their cultural roots. This powerful program highlights the ongoing commitment to Kurdish language education among the Kurdish diaspora in the United States.
These young graduates proudly earned certificates for learning to read and write in Kurdish. Many of them, born and raised in the U.S., had never before studied their ancestral language. Now, thanks to the hard work of volunteers and the support of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), they have taken a vital step toward preserving their identity.
The Kurdish language education program is a joint project between the KRG Ministry of Education and the Kurdish Diaspora Federation in America. It began with a simple goal—give children of Kurdish descent the chance to speak their mother tongue. However, the results have gone far beyond expectations.
In a congratulatory video message, KRG Minister of Education Alan Hama Saeed expressed his deep appreciation. He praised the collaboration and acknowledged the volunteers’ efforts. He also encouraged other communities to follow the same example.
Little Kurdistan is home to the largest Kurdish population in the United States. Over 15,000 Kurds live in the Nashville area. Most arrived after the 1991 Gulf War and have since built a vibrant, active community. In this welcoming environment, Kurdish culture, language, and identity are finding new life.
One of the course graduates, Sira Sadiq, shared her enthusiasm for the experience. She thanked her teachers and the program’s organizers. Sira believes every Kurdish child should learn their native language. According to her, understanding Kurdish opens the door to stronger family bonds and deeper cultural pride.
Volunteer teachers are the heart of the Kurdish language education initiative. One such teacher, Nazdar Jamil, is also a mother. She believes every Kurdish parent should take action to pass down the language. In her view, preserving the Kurdish language starts at home, with commitment and consistent effort.
This language course is not unique to Nashville. Across the United States, other Kurdish communities are launching similar efforts. These programs also teach history and culture, creating well-rounded and confident Kurdish-American youth.
As more families recognize the value of Kurdish language education, the future of Kurdish heritage in America looks brighter than ever. Through dedication, community support, and strong leadership, Kurdish language education will continue to thrive.