Core Child Program - Spring 2013
TYO Core Child Program begins today and we're very excited about the changes and additions that have been made to improve our classes. TYO's Psychosocial Program Manager, Suhad Jabi, explains that the Core Program "is putting more concentration on the child-parent relationship" including parent-teacher meetings starting last week.
"I was shocked at how many mothers came to the meetings," says TYO's Outreach Coordinator Futoon Qadri. "It has been so encouraging to see so many parents leave their homes and meet with the teachers." One hundred thirty mothers attended the meetings - a dramatic increase from previous sessions when only a handful of mothers attended.
This session's topics in the Core Morning Program for children 4-5 years old include:
- Family and Community
- The Five Senses
- Rules and Problem Solving
- Hygiene
- Nutrition
- Seasons
- Animals
- Transportation and Safety
This session's topics in the Core Afternoon Program for children 6-8 years old include:
- Self-control, Self-confidence and Self-care
- Communications
- Problem Solving Skills
The Core Program also has some new, fresh faces joining the team this session. We have added three new Core Teachers - all former dedicated TYO volunteers. Meet the newest members of the TYO staff:
Mohammad Abulkibash
Mohammad lives in Nablus but is originally from Hebron. He studied English Language and Literature at An-Najah National University. Mohammad first began volunteering with TYO in the fall of 2010 as a translator alongside the interns in the International Intern Program, and volunteering every session since. Mohammad loves working with TYO's children because he feels that the kids in his community need support and that they deserve the best, despite their difficult living situations. Prior to joining TYO, Mohammad volunteered with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in the Psycho-Social Support Program for three years. Mohammad loves traveling and hopes to continue to do so in the future and seek higher education opportunities in the US. He enjoys reading novels in his spare time and his favorite food is Indian food.
Ruba Hafayda
Ruba is a current student at An-Najah National University in Nablus, completing her final year studying English Language and Literature. Ruba began volunteering with TYO in the fall of 2011 as a translator alongside the interns in the International Intern Program. Previously, Ruba was an avid volunteer, working at the Public Relations Department at An-Najah University, UNESCO at An-Najah University, the Palestinian House for Friendship, Partners for Sustainable Development and Up2date Consulting. She volunteers as a translator, trainer and interpreter. Ruba is especially excited to be working with children because it gives her a good background into understanding their psyche, and it makes her feel proud to work with disadvantaged children. She also feels that in general, it is important to have teaching and lesson planning experience and that being a teacher can open doors for her abroad. Ruba intends to pursue her goal of knowing more people and cultures through travel. An avid reader, Ruba is also interested in sustainability, human rights and cultural studies.
Shireen Isa
Shireen lives in Nablus and has been a volunteer in TYO's Core Program for two years. She earned her BA in Elementary Education from Al Quds Open University, and has wanted to be a teacher all her life. Shireen discovered TYO when she was looking for full-time employment post-graduation. Although TYO was not hiring at that time, Shireen was so impressed by the staff, facilities and classes, she knew she needed to be a part of the organization and had to volunteer. She sees TYO as a turning point in her life where her personality began to shine and her confidence was boosted. Shireen loves the work she does at TYO because it's a pleasure to make her students smile. Working with Nablus' most needy children makes her feel like she is playing an active role in her community. Shireen's hobbies include reading, poetry and writing.