Our Approach
Learn more about our unique strategic framework that guides all Jawtana’s initiatives.
Our Approach
Jawtana's work is driven by six strategic priorities, directly translating our mission into actionable pathways to empower individuals and communities. These priorities guide our efforts towards a Kurdistan where universal access to language, knowledge, and learning unlocks full potential:
Jawtana implements its strategy through a collaborative and innovative framework to achieve each priority. We work hand in hand with local communities and actors, and all sectors, ensuring our approach is both inclusive and results-driven. Each initiative is rooted in this framework to guarantee long-term sustainability, community ownership, and systemic impact.
To strengthen language systems, we invest in creating robust digital and physical resources for Kurdish and other local languages. Jawtana builds and maintains essential tools such as dictionaries, learning platforms, linguistic applications, and speech technologies that make learning and using these languages easier for everyone. We also promote their adoption through community training and awareness, ensuring that language resources are widely accessible and responsive to real needs.
To expand open and accessible knowledge, our approach centres on capturing new and traditional knowledge and sharing it widely. Jawtana supports research and documentation projects that record heritage, local history, and scientific information in Kurdish. We then share this knowledge through open-access platforms that include books, articles, and multimedia that the public can freely use. By ensuring knowledge is preserved and accessible in local languages, we empower people to learn from their own heritage and contribute new insights to society.
Advancing inclusive and lifelong learning means tailoring education to real-world needs. Jawtana works with relevant stakeholders to develop learning initiatives relevant to diverse sectors and communities. In the education sector, we provide teacher training and digital curricula, and in communities we organise workshops and courses in local languages that range from basic literacy to specialised skills. This targeted and community based approach helps learners gain practical abilities and confidence in their mother tongue.
Driving digital transformation for social impact requires creating technology systems that support learning, knowledge access, and community innovation. Jawtana develops and integrates digital solutions that strengthen the connection between education, local culture, and community needs. By ensuring that digital systems are designed in ways that reflect linguistic and educational realities, we enable people to benefit from technology in meaningful and empowering ways.
Empowering institutions for sustainable change involves close partnerships with schools, universities, cultural centres, and other organisations. Jawtana offers training, tools, and tailored support that help institutions integrate local languages, open knowledge, and inclusive learning into their daily operations. By strengthening institutional capacity through educator training, technology integration, and curriculum development, we ensure that improvements in language and learning are sustainable and embedded within existing systems.
Leading policy reform and advocacy requires engaging decision makers and the public to strengthen linguistic rights and equitable access to knowledge. We provide research, success stories, and field-based evidence to inform policy recommendations, including the use of mother tongue education and the inclusion of Kurdish in official and public platforms. By amplifying community voices and highlighting what can be achieved through our programmes, we work to influence laws and regulations that will protect language rights and expand educational access. This ensures that progress is reflected not only at the community level but also within regional systems and policies, securing long-term and equitable access to language and knowledge for all.
Jawtana’s approach delivers far reaching benefits for individuals, communities, and systems across Iraqi Kurdistan. For individuals, whether young students, teachers, or adult learners, having access to education and information in their own language leads to better learning outcomes, greater self confidence, and a stronger sense of identity. When a child can study in their mother tongue, they understand concepts more easily and remain engaged in school. When adults find books or online resources in Kurdish, they are able to continue learning throughout their lives. This empowerment at the individual level translates into a population that is more knowledgeable, confident, and prepared to participate fully in society.
Communities become more cohesive and resilient. By strengthening language systems, expanding access to knowledge, and supporting inclusive learning opportunities, Jawtana helps communities preserve their heritage and maintain pride in their identity. Local traditions, stories, and innovations are carried forward and shared, reinforcing social bonds across generations. Communities with access to useful information on topics such as health, agriculture, or environmental sustainability are better equipped to address challenges collectively. Inclusive learning programmes also ensure that women, rural populations, and other underserved groups can participate meaningfully in community life and local development.
At the systemic level, Jawtana’s work contributes to more inclusive and sustainable institutions across the region. Schools and universities that adopt mother tongue education and open access materials experience improved student performance and engagement. Government and public services become more effective when information is delivered in languages that people understand. Over time, the region develops a culture of lifelong learning and innovation that is rooted in local language and knowledge. These changes support broader economic and social development, as a linguistically empowered population is better positioned to engage in civic life, access employment opportunities, and contribute to local initiatives. By expanding access to language, knowledge, and learning for all, Jawtana plays a central role in building a more equitable, resilient, and thriving Kurdistan where no community is left behind.
Benefits for the Region
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