Shazad’s Story – How a Former Kaziwa Child Became a Kaziwa Teacher
My name is Shazad. I was born on August 28th, in 1992, in Sulaimany Shahidan Neighbourhood. When I was 10 years old, I came to KSC Sara Children’s Cultural centre. Our family lived at Sabun Karan street that time, which was very close to the Centre. My brother and I spent most of our time at the Centre. My brother, who is older than me, was a music teacher there.
Since my early childhood, I have always been passionate about music. So I started attending music lessons at the Centre. Hazhar, my first music teacher, taught me the music basics. Under his instruction, I was able to participate in several music events. I still have a vivid memory of one of the events when I was participating in a concert where Marziyah Razai, one of the greatest Kurdish singers, performed her songs.
As a member of the Kaziwa Music Team, I participated in several music events. I was singing in a chorus at the performance recorded by the Khak TV. I was part of chorus in several songs like Buka Shushakam (My Doll), Paku khaweni Zhinga (Keeping environment clean). I also used to attend the Kaziwa Annual Festivals organized by the Centre.
Outside the Centre, I participated in some events. The one that is outstanding in my memory was when my friends and I painted a Kurdish flag on a tank in Kirkuk during a ceremony of commemoration of Iraq Liberation Day.
It was in 2003 when I reached the age of 14, and was unable to continue attending the Kaziwa Centre as its member, as the Centre’s policy doesn’t allow children above 14 to attend it. However, my passion for music didn’t stop there. I was admitted to the Fine Arts Institute and studied music there. After graduating from the Institute, I got a job in Kaziwa as a music teacher. It was my devotion to and love for Kaziwa that brought me back there once again.
My aim in working at the Centre is to help other children fulfill their wishes and dreams the way I did. I am thankful to all the Kaziwa staff who helped me fulfill my dream.
