|
Save the Children-Supported Kindergarten in Jordan Finishes First Session
 |
Children at the Ta’leem kindergarten demonstrate to their parents what they have learned in school, naming words that start with the letter A. |
Amman, Jordan (June 28, 2007) — Four classes at the Nuzha kindergarten in east Amman celebrated the close of their first six-week session last week with songs and contests that highlighted for their parents and neighbors what they had learned.
Most of the 100 children, ages 3–6, are Iraqi and are receiving an education thanks to a Save the Children program called Ta'leem. They and their families, having fled the unrest in their country, are among the estimated 750,000 Iraqi children and adults now living in this desert kingdom.
While their parents snapped photos, the children on stage recited verses and sang about how happy they were to be in school with their friends, laughing and learning. They named things that started with the letter A and participated in other contests.
Ta'leem teachers said they were pleased with the children's confidence. They reported that the same girls and boys who had arrived timid on the first day of class were now hamming it up for the audience.
After a 10-day break, the girls and boys will return to kindergarten — which is not a given for most Iraqi children around the region. The majority of the 2.2 million Iraqis who have sought refuge outside their country are in Jordan and Syria. But their large numbers have put a strain on host governments and their citizens. Iraqis are moving into impoverished, urban communities where the public education system is resource poor and often lacks space for the new students.
"My 12-year-old son missed two years of school — one in Iraq and one here," said Hisham, who was enrolling 6-year-old Ruba in Ta'leem. "I am paying for private school for him, but could not afford to send my daughter to school. Thankfully, we found out that there is this kindergarten for her."
The Ta'leem program, which means "learning" in Arabic, is supporting kindergartens, enrolling students in remedial classes and primary school, and will provide English, computer and life-skills classes for youth. These programs expand upon Save the Children's education and leadership programs for Jordanian children and youth. The agency has been working in Jordan since 1985.
