Before You Read On

Aug 20

6 min read

URGENT

Every story we tell in this newsletter is possible because our leadership team keeps pushing the SOHF mission forward. Currently, most of our donations go directly to the programs themselves, keeping them running and staffed.

But we have a gap.

Starting this week, we're looking to raise $8,000 in recurring donations to fund Lisa and the leadership team directly as they push the vision into new regions. You can learn more through the link below. We would love your support.

Every Child Has the Right to Learn

FIELD UPDATE

As always, Springs of Hope Foundation strives to identify and address the unmet needs of the community by providing programs and activities that fill critical gaps in services within Shariya Camp.

This time, our focus is supporting schoolchildren through an Educational Improvement Program. We recognized that many students were struggling academically because of overcrowded classrooms, a shortage of teachers, and limited individual attention in school. As a result, many children were falling behind in key subjects, particularly Arabic language and mathematics.

To respond to this need, we established a high-quality educational support program at the Hope Center. Using innovative and interactive teaching methods, our qualified teachers provide students with individualized attention in small classes, creating a peaceful and engaging learning environment. The program incorporates modern learning techniques, including educational games, visual aids, hands-on activities, and interactive teaching materials, making learning both enjoyable and effective.

Through this initiative, we aim not only to strengthen students' academic performance, but also to build their confidence, improve their communication skills, and foster a genuine love of learning, giving them a stronger foundation for their future education.

We all know that one of the most fundamental rights of every child is the right to education. A child who is denied a proper education will face many challenges throughout life, especially in a society like ours that continues to live with the consequences of displacement and conflict.

Unfortunately, the state of education in our country, particularly in the displacement camps, has been severely affected. For many years, schools have struggled with a critical shortage of teachers, inadequate learning materials and school supplies, poor infrastructure, and a lack of basic facilities such as air conditioning. In addition, students have limited classroom hours and are deprived of subjects like art and physical education, which are essential for their overall development.

Despite these challenges, and despite classrooms often containing as many as 45 students, teachers continue to work tirelessly to help their students achieve the best possible results.

The greatest challenge, however, is that most of our students rely entirely on their teachers for learning. Around 95% of parents are illiterate and cannot read or write. Even the remaining 5% who can read and write often lack the teaching skills needed to support their children at home. Sometimes even experienced teachers need several different methods to explain a concept successfully, so it is understandably difficult for parents to do the same.

That is why we knew we had to provide these children with another opportunity.

Today we are supporting a group of students who struggled during the school year and must take second-round examinations. Instead of leaving them to face these challenges alone, we opened the doors of our center throughout the summer.

In a calm, welcoming environment, class size has been reduced from 45 students to just 13. This allows every child to receive the attention they need. They review the school curriculum thoroughly, enjoy art lessons they were unable to receive at school, participate in games and activities that encourage physical movement, and occasionally enjoy recreational outings that bring joy and motivation to their learning experience.

Most importantly, they are taught by their own school teacher, who knows their strengths, weaknesses, and individual learning needs better than anyone else.

Their stories inspire us every day.

Banaf

She is six years old and lives with her parents in Shariya Camp. She is a first-grade student at an Arabic primary school in the camp.

"I have been coming to the Hope Center for about a year, and I am in Khalid's class. I really love coming here because every day I learn something new and have fun with my teachers and my friends. Now I can read Arabic very well, and I am very proud of myself. I have also learned how to write Arabic letters, and I enjoy practicing them every day. It makes me very happy when I can read something all by myself. Whenever I need help, my teachers are always there to support me.

Before I came to the center, I was very shy and did not talk very much. Now I feel much more confident. I can answer questions, speak in class, and play with my classmates. I have made many new friends at the center. We learn together, play together, and help each other. Spending time with them makes me happy, and coming to the Hope Center is one of the best parts of my day."

Raman

He is six years old and lives with his parents in Shariya Camp. He is a first-grade student at an Arabic primary school in the camp.

"I enjoy going to school and always try to do my best. I am good at many subjects, but there are still some lessons that are difficult for me, especially reading and speaking Arabic correctly. At home, I do my homework every day and practice my lessons. Sometimes my parents help me, but I still need more support to improve my reading and language skills. I have been attending the Arabic course for some time now, and it has helped me learn Arabic letters and the alphabet in a fun and different way.

I chose to join the Hope Center because it was the best place for me to improve my learning. The teaching methods here are very different from those at school. We learn through colors, shapes, games, television, and many interactive learning materials. These activities make learning easier, more enjoyable, and help me read and speak Arabic with greater confidence. The atmosphere at the Hope Center is peaceful, comfortable, and perfect for learning. There are fewer students in the class, so the teacher can give each of us more attention and support. Since joining the program, I feel much more confident and proud of myself because I can now read and speak Arabic much better than before."

Gunish

She is six years old and lives with her parents in Shariya Camp. She is a first-grade student at an Arabic primary school in the camp.

At the Hope Center, she has learned through interactive teaching methods that include educational games, creative activities, and engaging learning materials. These approaches have made learning more enjoyable and have helped her improve her reading, writing, and speaking skills. Her family is grateful that she has access to the center, knowing that she is receiving educational support they are unable to provide at home.

Beyond the classroom, the Hope Center has become a place where she feels safe, happy, and valued. She enjoys spending time with her friends, playing games, and participating in recreational activities. She especially loves visiting the horse stable and picking fresh fruit from the Hope Garden. These experiences not only make learning enjoyable, but also provide a welcome escape from the daily challenges of life in the camp. The Hope Center has become one of the happiest parts of her life, allowing her to learn, grow, build friendships, and look toward the future with hope.

We call these the TLC Kids, those who respond to quiet, loving, individual attention. When they receive that, they blossom and frequently overtake those who did well within the formal educational system.

These are the children who learn their alphabet and then go pick fruit in our garden. These are the children who work together and help one another succeed. These are the children who visibly relax when they realize they have done well. All they needed was to be seen, a little TLC, a hug in the morning, and praise when they succeed.

We are grateful for the opportunity to help prepare these children for a successful educational future. Although this is a summer program, we know these children will remain with us for years to come, giving us the opportunity to fill yet another gap in the universe.