SOUTH KURDISTAN (IRAQ) – MESOP : LOCAL KURDS PLUS GERMAN WADI PLUS HIVOS NETHERLANDS & OXFAM NOVIB

First independent student newspaper in Northern Iraq

On october 28th the first edition of the student newpaper “Pers. From the university to the university” was released. It is planned to publish a monthly edition for at least six months. It is the first independent regional student newspaper in Northern Iraq targeting subjects beyond the university and networking with students of other univeristies. The Kurdish word “Pers” meant topic but also problem. The newspaper is planed, written and published by students and tackles a number of topics surrounding student and university life: Interviews with university staff, statistics, surveys and reportages. The editorial staff comes from the university of Sulaymania and is taking part in WADI’s Local Democracy Projects, which are supported by Hivos and Oxfam Novib.

The makers are in close contact with students from other universities in Iraqi Kurdistan who contribute features and news articles about their universities.

The recent events at the university underline the necessity for a newspaper which tackles student interests. So far, there is no legitimate student representation. While at the same time, protest is voiced concerning many issues. Recently, students protested for several days because of the lack of service by the university administration.WADI’s Local Democracy Project has the goal to organize the student body so students can discuss and bring forward their demands. A student newspaper is the first step in this direction. Furthermore, students will elect their representation which can function as a legitimate negotiation partner for the university administration and have the student’s voices taken seriously. www.mesop.de