UNRWA Schoolgirls visit TV station to discuss their successful human rights-based project – UNRWA article

Marka Girls Visit Al-Hakika TV

Amman — Thirty girls from UNRWA Marka Preparatory Girls School visited Al-Hakika TV headquarters on 19 May. The visit was to celebrate the success of the human rights-based project “young teachers for teaching slow learners”.

“When we started the project about two months ago, it had not even crossed my mind that we would be given the opportunity not only to visit a TV station but to appear live. It’s really cool,” said ninth grader Sara Rohi.

Science teacher Nadia Abu Jbara worked with the girls to identify the problems facing the school. They agreed to start a project where the girls in the eighth and ninth grades can teach the slow learners in the fourth and fifth grades.

“I was so excited to start the project. In the past, I had stuttering problem myself. I’m sure the girls can make a big difference for the best interest of everyone involved in the project,” said Nadia.

Field Trips to Specialised Learning Centres

“We followed the teaching methods used by our teachers. It did not work out. Then we came to realise that a total set of new teaching methods should be applied,” said ninth grader Iman Imad.

The girls organised visits to different learning centres that specialise in teaching slow learners. All visits were funded by the Jordanian Professional Association.

“The project can benefit all those involved: the school, the learners, the young teachers and the local community. That’s why we want to help them,” said Mohammad Abed, the head of the Professional Association.

The visit to Siraj Learning Centre made a big impression. “Now we engrave the letter or the number that we want to teach on a piece of cartoon and ask the slow learner to fill it up with sand, lentils or any other substance. What they learn is engraved in their minds as well,” said ninth grader Nihal Ashour.

A Song for Human Rights

Tenth grader Ruba Madi sang two songs, with one praising the King broadcast on 25 May on Jordan’s Independence Day.

The general manager of the TV station, Marwan Shehadeh, said: “Ruba told me of her wish to become famous. Ruba has written the lyrics herself and she has a marvellous voice. This is really admirable. I’m sure that her dreams can come true.”

The other song about human rights, “Who am I? I am a human being”, will be broadcast in the next few weeks.

Celebrating Achievements

At the end of the project on 1 June, the local community and UNRWA officials held a one-hour ceremony to celebrate the girls.

“It is unfortunate that we have to end the project. Parents have been contacting the school for two weeks asking us to extend the project till next year, although some of them didn’t feel good about it in the beginning. I’m happy that we contribute to not only teaching the slow learners but also to changing parents’ mentalities and behaviour,” said tenth grader Donia.

Text by Anwar Abu Sakieneh

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