Midterm Impact Report, Summer 2009
Midterm Impact Report, Summer 2009 Session During the fifth week of our summer programs, a letter was sent home with a random sample of 20 Morning Core Program participants inviting their parents to attend a discussion. TYO Psychosocial Specialist Suhad Jabi facilitated a focus group later that week with five mothers and one father of ten TYO participants. The focus group was an open discussion in which the parents introduced themselves and discussed their level of satisfaction with the program, changes in their children’s behavior and suggestions for future program development. Suhad described the conversation as enthusiastic, lively and organic. The following Midterm Impact Report was compiled from testimonies given by those parents.
TYO compares initial, midterm and final parent surveys and focus groups to determine the impact of its program on each child and identify which children could benefit from further services either from TYO or by referral. Please check back later this week for our Final Impact Report for the summer session. The full text of the midterm report and past reports can be found in the Results section of our homepage.
After four weeks of the program, we see concrete and significant change in many of our children, especially in the following areas:
- Age-appropriate sociability with peers and adults, - Appropriate behavior (including the disappearance of bed wetting problems), - Improved vocabulary and increased vocalization and self-esteem
Abu Sami, father of Gofran, age 4, Balata refugee camp My daughter, Gofran, used to be selfish—wanting everything in her hands. She never shared and was aggressive with her siblings. My children would always fight and there was never any peace in our home. Despite my encouragement, they never managed their studies well. Now, Gofran is more cooperative and less aggressive. I see her respecting other children and finishing her tasks with more care. She is outspoken and shares stories with me about her classroom and her teacher Rana [TYO’s art teacher.] She told me that when she is upset she wants to talk to Rana about her anger. She no longer has nightmares.
Om Ehab, mother of twins Sadeel and Sandee, age 5, Askar refugee camp Both Sandeel and Sandee have bed-wetting problems. During their first session [at TYO], the problem decreased to around three times a week. After the first week of this session, they both stopped completely. My daughters are happier and cooperate with each other much better. They are always talking about their teacher Rana [TYO’s art teacher.]
Om Mohammad, mother of Mohammad, age 5, Khallet al-Amood My son used to be a rude child. He created many problems in the neighborhood. He was difficult to talk with and aggressive. He is a tough kid. I have always been a bit surprised that TYO doesn’t send him home. Many times I have wanted to visit the TYO Center, but I do not come because I am afraid that I will hear the staff complaining about my son. I am very satisfied with the program. Now, Mohammed is better in every category. He has become polite, much calmer and sweet. He is more expressive and articulate about his ideas. Sometimes I cannot believe I am talking with a five-year-old kid.