In-Country Staff
Salam Qassim
Staff Member, Country Director
Salam holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Duhok and is originally from Khanasour village in Sinjar. Since January 2024, he has been serving as the Country Director at Sinjar Academy, where he plays a pivotal role in overseeing the Academy’s projects, coordinating with donors, planning programs, and ensuring their successful implementation. In addition to managing day-to-day operations, Salam supervises course arrangements and maintains consistent communication with both students and teachers, fostering an environment of collaboration and growth. Salam brings extensive experience from his previous roles with renowned international organizations, including serving as an Education Officer with the International Rescue Committee, a Community Health Officer with Doctors of the World (Médecins Du Monde), and a Protection Manager with Mission East. His strong leadership, administrative expertise, and adaptability contribute significantly to creating a flexible and responsive management structure at the Academy, aligning its operations with regional challenges and the evolving needs of students.
Ali Farman
Staff Member, IT Specialist
Ali is a Software Engineer and IT Specialist from Sinjar. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and speaks Kurdish, Arabic, And English fluently. Since February 2024, he has been working at Sinjar Academy, providing critical technical support, developing software solutions, and managing the organization’s IT infrastructure. Before joining Sinjar Academy, Ali worked as an IT Specialist, Computer Trainer, and Data Analyst with several international and local NGOs, beside working as a freelance Software Engineer. Ali is committed to using his skills to support the Yazidi community and other vulnerable populations. His expertise in data management and web development ensures that Sinjar Academy’s operations run smoothly and efficiently, contributing to the organization’s mission of providing education and support to those in need. Ali is passionate about leveraging technology for social good, continuously seeking innovative solutions to improve the effectiveness of NGO operations.
Sheryar Jumaah
Staff Member, PR Representative
Sheryar Jumaah, originally from Bashiqa, Mosul, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science from the Catholic University in Erbil. Since 2022, Sheryar has been serving as the Public Relations Representative at Sinjar Academy, where he plays a vital role in representing the Academy to potential contributors and key stakeholders. His responsibilities include managing registration and legal affairs such as taxes and banking, delivering financial reports, and overseeing the Academy’s operational activities. With a diverse background in research, public relations, finance and operations, logistics, networking, and proposal writing, Sheryar brings extensive experience to his role. His leadership, communication skills, and project management expertise have been instrumental in securing funds from multiple donors and establishing a strong network with key players and politicians in both the Iraqi and Kurdish governments. Sheryar's notable achievements include representing the Academy at high-profile events to build a strong presence in the international community, such as engagements with embassies and consulates. Fluent in English, Arabic, and basic Kurdish, he is committed to fostering meaningful collaborations and advancing the Academy’s mission on a global scale.