Restoring hope for a better future
Children are the future and the leaders of tomorrow. The future of any country is heavily dependent on this new generation. However, growing up in a multidimensional crisis is putting enormous stress on children in Lebanon – In the past few years, Education was constantly interrupted due to the 2019 uprising, Covid-19 and the economic crisis, which led to ongoing teachers’ strikes.
In the hope of restoring a better future for Lebanon, World Vision Lebanon is providing retention and catch-up sessions for the most vulnerable children. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. Without quality education, children will face considerable social and functional barriers. They are more likely to suffer adverse health outcomes and less likely to participate in decisions that affect them – threatening their ability to shape a better future for themselves and their societies.
In Akkar, north of Lebanon, more than 600 vulnerable girls and boys in grades one to nine impacted by the disruption of schools and at risk of dropping out of school are participating in retention and catch-up sessions. The program provides these children with additional learning support, especially foundational literacy, numeracy, and key subjects within the Lebanese curriculum (Arabic language, Foreign language, Mathematics, Science).
“This project is crucial to these children. Due to the ongoing school interruptions, they have missed a lot in the past few years. The sessions will equip and prepare them for the next fiscal year. They have progressed a lot in the past month. I am confident they will do well next year,” reveals Sylva Skaff, a teacher in this project. “Most importantly, the children are participating more during the sessions. They are more confident and falling back in love with Education.”
Hassan, who dreams of becoming an army officer one day, enjoys participating in the catch-up sessions. “Last fiscal year was challenging. I barely passed from great six to seven. The sessions will prepare me to do better next year,” the thirteen-year-old says. “We are taking Math, Science, French and Arabic. I learned that Education is important for my future.”
Shaymaa is joyful that she is passing from grade five to six. After the retention sessions, her grades improved significantly; In Math, she went from averaging 9.25 in the first semester to 12.75 over 20 in the second semester, and in Arabic, from 8.6 to 13.5 over 20. “The teachers are very supportive and helpful. I wasn’t doing well in Math but progressed considerably after the sessions,” the thirteen-year-old says. ”Education helps us achieve our dreams – Mine is to become a dentist one day.”
Similar to Shaymaa, Shaaban’s grades also showed substantial improvement. In French, he went from averaging 7.5 in the first semester to 11.5 over 20 in the second semester, and in Science, from 7.3 to 11 over 20. “I was afraid I may have to repeat my class since I failed the first semester. However, thanks to the support of the teachers, I was able to succeed. The sessions are fun and educational,” says the eleven-year-old. “I prefer to come here and study than to stay at home doing nothing. I know I need to study more if I want to be an army officer one day.”
As for thirteen-year-old Asmaa, her results were not enough to help her pass from grade seven to eight. However, her determination remains strong. “Last year, I faced problems with French, Marh and Arabic. Nonetheless, thanks to the catch-sessions, I am improving greatly,” she reveals. “My confidence also improved, I am participating more, and I am able to solve problems. I know Education is important if I want to grow to be a successful doctor.”