Do it with passion
When COVID shook the world, little did people know that two weeks will turn to two years and more.
The life that people once considered normal became from the past and people started adjusting to the "new normal".
In partnership with UNICEF and funds from FCDO (UKAID) and France, World Vision Lebanon aims to provide 550 children ages 10 to 14 with an educational opportunity through the Basic Literacy and Numeracy (BLN) module that helps them get back on track with their studies despite the ongoing pandemic.
Without education I cannot have the future I want!
When talking to 12-year-old Anas one of the 100 children enrolled in the programme in Akkar, his eyes reflect how passionate he is about studying and learning.
For seven weeks now, he has been attending classes with World Vision in Arqa Centre in Akkar. Before COVID, Anas used to take lessons at another centre in the region. However, due to their closure, he began working in agriculture with his mother pausing his education journey. "I stopped going to classes and learning for almost one year, I could not wait to get back," he explains.
Raised by two parents who value education, Anas sure is making them proud, "I study very hard because my father always tells me that without education I cannot have the future I want, and I want to be a teacher like Ms Rouwaida," he says.
Besides studying and learning about new subjects remotely, being able to attend a once per week class at the centre is one of Anas's favourite times. "I get to see my friends and my teacher, and on that day, I do not go to work just to focus on my studies," Anas declares.
Persistent students keep the teacher going
"Whenever a parent contacts me with positive feedback on their child's improvement, I know I am doing it right", says Rouwaida, BLN teacher at the Arqa centre. Seven weeks ago, Rouwaida began her journey with the students in her class, "I am teaching them Arabic, English, Math and Psycho-social support", she clarifies. As a teacher, Rouwaida's greatest achievement is seeing the progress and impact she can make on children, "I am so proud of my students, especially Anas, who since day one, showed utmost dedication", she explains. Having persistent students surely keeps the teacher motivated to give more, Rouwaida states, "my students are supportive and encourage each other every time they get good feedback on their homework."
To achieve "Life in all its fullness" one of the core visions of World Vision, children must not be deprived from education, one of the most important things for humans beings, so they can have a happy and healthy life. Therefore, project modules like BLN give a chance for children who have nothing to dream of a future better than the one imposed on them.