Dec, 2023
Anera's Special-Education Course in Action
Funded by the German Government through KfW Development Bank.
In the heart of Saida, a coastal Lebanese city south of Beirut, Ajyal School stands as a beacon of hope for the most underprivileged children in the area. This institution, affiliated with the Orphan Protection Association, offers free, high-quality education from kindergarten to sixth grade, catering to the poorest families in the region and students with learning difficulties, who suffer from dire social and psychological conditions.
Samar Halaq, the director of Ajyal School, is on a mission to break the cycle of poverty and provide a better future for these children. The school provides academic support to the students with learning difficulties, as well as basic life skills that will enable them to fully integrate into their societies.
Ajyal School faced a significant difficulty over the past two years: a shortage of well-trained teachers capable of addressing a diverse range of challenges and learning difficulties the students face, including economic, social and psychological. To help meet these demands, Anera, in partnership with Routes for Development and Consultancy training center, and with support from UNICEF, funded by the German Government through KfW Development Bank, created an intensive special-education training course that would change the lives of both students and teachers. The course attracted 22 participants, all of whom were employed upon completion.
Halaq underlines the importance of having trained teachers who could adapt to the unique needs of the students: "An untrained teacher cannot handle these issues. It's crucial for both students and teachers to enjoy the session for effective learning."
It's crucial for both students and teachers to enjoy the session for effective learning."
Sara says she applies what she learned in the teacher training course and sees the positive results.
Noor appreciates the new skills she has acquired to teach life sciences to students, especially those with learning difficulties.
Samar notes that special training is vital to enable teachers to effectively meet the needs of students with emotional, learning and social challenges.
Hana Ali, a university professor, educational researcher, and the director of training at the Arab Democracy Center, played a pivotal role in shaping this transformative program. She notes the exceptional dedication of the trainees, and emphasizes the practical nature of the training: "Unlike universities, we focus on practical application, which is crucial for their empowerment."
Sara, a mathematics graduate, was one of the trainees who thrived in the program. She notes the difference in classroom management and student interactions: "Today, I apply everything I've learned in my classrooms, and I see the positive results in the three classes I teach here."
Ghinwa, a graduate of English literature, shares her experience in dealing with students who may exhibit violent tendencies due to their challenging environments. She has successfully applied the course's teachings to connect with a troubled student and transform his behavior.
Fayza, who graduated in special needs education, acknowledges the importance of continuous development. She explains, "There is much to learn that you won't find in university but acquire through experience."
Noor, a graduate in life sciences, celebrates her transition from a researcher to a teacher, enabling her to convey her knowledge effectively to students, especially those with learning difficulties and special needs.
Through Anera's special-education training course, with support from UNICEF and funded by the German Government through KfW Development Bank, these dedicated individuals are creating a brighter future for the students at Ajyal School. Their passion, dedication, and newfound skills are transforming their own lives and the lives of the children they teach, making an enduring impact on the community of Sidon.
"Unlike schools and universities, we focus on practical application, which is crucial for their empowerment."
Hana Ali
Fayza (center), says hands on experience teaching has been invaluable to her professional development.
Ghinwa says she has already used what she learned the teacher training course to connect with a troubled student.
"There is much to learn that you won't find in university but acquire through experience."
Lebanon
South Governorate
The South Governorate of Lebanon is a beautiful place with white beaches, archeological ruins, bustling old souks, fertile fields of citrus and banana trees, and a deep history. Its residents are from different religions: Shia and Sunni Muslims, Druze, Eastern Orthodox, Maronite, Protestant, and Greek Catholic Christians. Its biggest cities are also the third and fourth largest in the country, Saida and Tyre.
