Dilbar's journey from Kurdistan to the classroom shows the power of diversity, belonging, and community at the International Community School.
This month, we are proud to highlight Dilbar Hajiessa, a former refugee and alumna of International Community School (ICS), one of five partner schools in New American Pathways’ Bright Futures After School program. Bright Futures supports about 180 refugee and immigrant students in DeKalb County with tutoring, homework help, enrichment activities, social-emotional learning, and English language development.
Dilbar now works as a Paraprofessional and Teacher Assistant at ICS, giving back to the same community that once supported her.
From Kurdistan to Georgia
Dilbar was born in Kurdistan, Iraq, and came to the United States as a refugee. Her background and lived experience give her a unique perspective on what it means to navigate displacement, cultural adjustment, and resilience. Today, she uses those experiences to connect with students and families who are walking a similar path.
What Makes ICS Unique
ICS is more than a school—it is a hub of diversity, inclusion, and global citizenship. Students are encouraged to maintain and celebrate their home languages while gaining confidence in English. With its inquiry-based IB curriculum, ICS prepares students to think critically, act compassionately, and see themselves as changemakers in a global world.
Dilbar believes that ICS’s strength lies in its ability to balance academic excellence with social-emotional growth. Students aren’t just learning content; they’re building empathy, resilience, and the skills needed to thrive in community.
Coming Back Home
For Dilbar, returning to ICS was about more than a career move—it was about carrying forward the values that shaped her. “As a student, I experienced firsthand what it means to be part of a truly diverse, caring, and globally minded community,” she shares. “Coming back isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to continue the legacy of ICS and help the next generation thrive.”
A Bridge for Students and Families
As a Teacher Assistant, Dilbar loves working directly with students from a variety of backgrounds. She also uses her own experience as a former refugee to be a bridge for families, offering empathy, guidance, and encouragement. Her presence reminds students that their identities and stories are valuable—and that they, too, can overcome obstacles to build bright futures.
What ICS Means
To Dilbar, ICS is home. It’s where she learned, grew, and now serves. It is a community that celebrates diversity, uplifts every voice, and builds belonging. Her story is a testament to the impact of schools like ICS, where students are not only educated but empowered to become compassionate leaders in their communities.
