Category Archives: Mergasor Technical Institute

On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, representatives from Mergasor Technical Institute and Porterville College in California, USA, undertook a commemorative visit to the historic and sacred sites in Barzan, including the Shrine Place, the Barzani Memorial, and the monument dedicated to the victims of the Barzani genocide.

The visit followed the closing ceremony of a joint educational initiative titled “A Bridge Between Cultures in Education”, during which certificates were awarded to course participants in recognition of their engagement and achievement. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in fostering cross-cultural collaboration in education between the Kurdistan Region and the United States.

Following the event, the delegation from Mergasor Technical Institute, accompanied by Porterville College staff, was warmly received by Mr. Khalat Barzani, the official representative of President Masoud Barzani at the Shrine Place. During the visit, the Vice President of Porterville College laid a wreath at the grave of the late General Mulla Mustafa Barzani, paying tribute to the iconic Kurdish leader.

The Porterville College team also delivered a brief address acknowledging the historical significance of the site and expressed their solidarity with the Kurdish people. The delegation proceeded to tour the Barzani Museum, where they were welcomed by the museum’s staff and guided through exhibits highlighting the legacy and struggles of the Barzani family.

Concluding the visit, the delegation paid their respects at the monument commemorating the victims of the Barzani genocide, where they were received by the director and staff of the site. The visit served as a poignant reminder of shared human values and the importance of cultural understanding and historical remembrance.

On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, Mergasor Technical Institute, part of Erbil Polytechnic University, hosted a certificate awarding ceremony to recognize the participants of the international training course titled “Bridging Cultures in Education: A Global Approach.”

The event was held in the presence of Dr. Talib Mohammed Sharif Omer, Dean of Mergasor Technical Institute; Dr. Thad Russell, Vice President of Porterville College in California, USA; Professor Dr. Elissa Queenan from Porterville College, California as well as members of the Institute Council board members , faculty, staff, and students.

Dr. Omer opened the ceremony with welcoming remarks delivered in both Kurdish and English, expressing appreciation for the international partnership and the participants’ dedication. This was followed by a speech from Dr. Thad Russell, who highlighted the importance of cross-cultural collaboration in education.

The course was launched as part of an academic cooperation agreement between Porterville College and Mergasor Technical Institute under the broader framework of a Memorandum of Understanding with Erbil Polytechnic University.

Designed to build bridges between educators globally, the program ran from November 2024 toMarch 10, 2025, with the participation of 51 university lecturers and 22 K-12 teachers from across the region.

Conducted online through the Canvas and Zoom platforms, the course included five in-depth modules covering key topics such as:
• The impact of higher education and culture
• Effective classroom design
• High-impact teaching practices
• Understanding students and designing effective lessons
• Identifying and addressing cultural, economic, and social barriers to equitable education

The program also offered a platform for integrating global pedagogical theories and sharing innovative teaching strategies.

At the conclusion of the event, certificates of completion were awarded to all participants by Professor Dr. Elissa Queenan from Porterville College, California,USA

This initiative underscores the Institute’s ongoing commitment to international collaboration and professional development for educators, aiming to foster a more inclusive and globally connected educational environment.

On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Erbil Polytechnic University (EPU) hosted a certificate awarding ceremony at the University Presidency to honor participants of the professional development program titled “Bridging Between Cultures in Education.”

The event was held in the presence of Prof. Dr. Edrees Mohammed Tahir Harki, Rector of Erbil Polytechnic University; Dr. Talib Mohammed Sharif Omer, Dean of Mergasor Technical Institute; representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Dr. Thad Russell, Vice President of Porterville College in California, USA; as well as deans, faculty members, and other distinguished guests.

The ceremony commenced with welcoming remarks delivered by Dr. Talib Omer in both Kurdish and English, highlighting the significance of international collaboration in the field of education. This was followed by speeches from Prof. Dr. Edrees Harki and Dr. Thad Russell, both emphasizing the importance of global partnerships in advancing educational practices and teacher development.

This initiative was carried out under the framework of a Memorandum of Understanding between Porterville College and Mergasor Technical Institute, affiliated with EPU. The program, which ran from November 2024toMarch 25, 2025, aimed to build a bridge between educators from Kurdistan and their peers worldwide.

A total of 73 participants—including 51 university lecturers and 22 K-12 teachers—successfully completed the course. Delivered online through Canvas and Zoom platforms, the program included five intensive modules covering a range of topics such as:
• The impact of culture on education
• Effective classroom design
• High-impact teaching practices
• Measurable learning outcomes
• Lesson planning

The program provided a valuable opportunity for educators to explore global pedagogical theories and share best practices.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, certificates were presented to all participants by instructors from Porterville College and the Dean of Mergasor Technical Institute.

This event marks a significant milestone in the continued efforts to foster international academic collaboration and promote professional development in the education sector across the Kurdistan Region.

On Monday, May 12, 2025, Dr. Talib Mohammed Sharif Omar, Dean of Mergasor Technical Institute, paid an official visit to the Consul General of the Republic of South Korea in Erbil.

During the meeting, both sides discussed the strategic role of MergasorTechnical Institute in advancing technical, vocational, and economic development. Key topics included scholarship opportunities, skill enhancement for academic staff, and short-term training programs aimed at equipping faculty and employees with South Korean expertise in management and finance.

The Consul General expressed interest in strengthening collaboration with the Institute and confirmed his upcoming visit to Mergasor Technical Institute, where he will deliver a seminar on the economies of Kurdistan and South Korea, focusing on economic development and capacity building.