“Now I can read English!”

Children in Jordan excel in remedial classes as part of a World Vision project providing students and their families educational support in a safe environment. 

“Now I can read English! Before joining the classes I encountered difficulties in understanding grammar in both languages: Arabic and English. ”These were Muna's words during an interview about the after-school remedial education classes  provided by World Vision Jordan as part of the No Lost Generation (NLG): Stand By Me project, funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

Muna, 13, is a student is one of the school's beneficiaries under NLG. She was enrolled in the first cycle of remedial classes, which included Arabic, English, and Math, as well as life skills sessions, twice a week from 2pm till 4pm.

The Education in Emergencies (EIE) Coordinator at World Vision Jordan, Lna Sawalha, pointed out the differences in Muna's English language scores: “Muna got 9.5 out of 20 in the pre test, right before starting the classes. She surprised us with the post test score by getting 20 out of 20, which clearly shows the positive impact of the remedial classes on her academic improvement in the school. That wouldn’t have been achieved without the diligent work of the school's administration and teachers.”

Remedial education under NLG aims to provide children and youth with improved and sustained access to appropriate education opportunities in a protective learning environment, and to help assist children who require educational support in terms of learning. Transportation to and from schools is provided for students as part of an effort to support families, which in turn encourages parents to enroll their children in classes.

Muna's parents have been opposed to her further education after graduating from this level, but Muna is making an effort to study hard and get high marks, and hopes to convince her father to send her to college after graduation.

Muna says, “The best part of these classes was the good attitude of the teachers… my favorite is the math teacher. ”For children in difficult situations, especially young girls in cultural contexts where female education is discouraged, a little opportunity can go a long way. Through supporting and encouraging both children and their parents, World Vision, through the NLG project, hopes to change the way education is viewed and help children reach their potential.