Establishing the Assyrian Genocide Curriculum in Arizona: The Seyfo Center’s Initiative

By: Onita Narso

The Seyfo Center, an Assyrian-based organization in Arizona, has embarked on a pivotal journey to include the Assyrian genocide in the state's school curriculum. This initiative represents a significant step towards recognizing and teaching about the historical injustices faced by the Assyrian community.

Background and Motivation

In April 2021, the Arizona chapter of Seyfo Center joined forces with other communities to support House Bill 2241, which mandated the teaching of the Holocaust and other genocides twice between grades 7 and 12. The bill's passage and subsequent signing into law by Governor Doug Ducey highlighted a critical opportunity: there was no existing high school curriculum addressing the Assyrian genocide. This realization motivated the Seyfo Center to develop a curriculum that could gain approval from the Arizona Department of Education, ensuring that this overlooked aspect of history would be taught in schools.

Process and Implementation

Advocating for the inclusion of the Assyrian genocide in the curriculum posed several challenges. One major hurdle was securing experienced scholars to contribute. The Seyfo Center successfully collaborated with Dr. Erin Hughes from CSU Stanislaus and Professor Hannibal Travis from Florida International University, both experts in the field. Dr. Ramina Jajoo-Frindrich, the President and Strategic Consultant of the Seyfo Center Arizona Chapter, played a crucial role in driving this initiative forward, leveraging her expertise and passion for educational advocacy.

Compounding these challenges were the limited oral histories available due to the community's traumatic past, where documentation was often lost to war and genocide. Many descendants of survivors were also unaware of their family histories. This necessitated careful efforts to obtain consent for sharing personal testimonies.

The Seyfo Center worked closely with the Department of Education’s Task Force, which comprised historians and genocide studies experts, to ensure that their curriculum met educational standards. This involved extensive communication through emails, meetings, and collaborative efforts, all bolstered by initial funding from the Assyrian Cultural Foundation.

Curriculum Integration

On August 10, 2024, the Arizona Department of Education officially approved and listed the Assyrian genocide curriculum as a resource for high school educators. The curriculum is designed to be adaptable, allowing teachers across various subjects—such as history, language arts, and economics—to integrate it into their lessons at their discretion.

The curriculum comprises three distinct lesson plans, complemented by supplementary materials, including books, articles, legislative resolutions, and recordings of oral testimonies. To explore the curriculum further, interested parties can visit [www.assyriangenocidestudies.org](http://www.assyriangenocidestudies.org).

Impact and Outcomes

The inclusion of the Assyrian genocide in Arizona’s curriculum aims to raise awareness of this often-overlooked chapter in history. It seeks to illuminate the struggles of the Assyrians, an indigenous group primarily from Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey.

Feedback from the local and broader community has been overwhelmingly positive. Surveys conducted during the 91st Annual Assyrian Convention showed a strong interest in expanding this initiative beyond Arizona. The project has been recognized with honors, including a Presidential Award from the Assyrian American National Federation, celebrating the leadership of Seyfo Center’s team.

Future Plans and Expansion

The Seyfo Center has ambitious plans to expand this initiative beyond Arizona. They are exploring the possibility of integrating the curriculum into educational systems in other states and even internationally. Collaborations with local communities, organizations, and church-run Sunday schools are part of their strategy to foster wider acceptance and implementation of the curriculum.

Community and Collaboration

Community involvement is vital for the success of this initiative. Other Assyrian organizations and community members can support Seyfo Center by sharing information, hosting educational talks, and engaging in grassroots outreach efforts. As this project evolves, the Seyfo Center encourages feedback and collaboration to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.

Long-Term Vision

The Seyfo Center envisions a future where the Assyrian genocide is recognized and taught alongside other significant historical events. They aim to spark broader discussions about genocide education and cultural preservation, ensuring that the narratives of Assyrian survivors are not forgotten.

Personal Reflections

For Seyfo Center leaders, the successful establishment of the curriculum is not just an organizational achievement but a deeply personal milestone. As a third-generation genocide survivor, the president of the Arizona chapter finds profound significance in this work, honoring the memories of lost family members. The journey has been marked by unforgettable moments, including the launch of the curriculum website and its subsequent approval by the Department of Education—milestones that signify hope and resilience for the Assyrian community.

The Seyfo Center’s initiative represents a powerful commitment to educational equity, cultural recognition, and historical accountability, paving the way for future generations to learn about and understand the Assyrian experience.