By Noor Suliman | Educator
Meet Maria, a sweet 4-year-old girl from the Balata Refugee Camp. Maria's early years were filled with challenges that no child should ever have to face. Her difficult birth left her with health issues that impacted her mental and social well-being, making it impossible for her to attend any preschool or early childhood institution in her area. Growing up during the COVID-19 pandemic, Maria’s social anxiety and isolation were increased and impacted her development.. Her parents were heartbroken, knowing that their daughter's future was at stake.
A glimmer of hope appeared in the form of TYO's ECE program. Maria's enrollment in the program was a turning point in her life. It provided her with the necessary support and resources to improve her overall well-being, allowing her to form new friendships and become more sociable.
The TYO's ECE program offered a comprehensive approach to support Maria's physical, social, and intellectual development. From the moment she arrived, Maria felt safe and welcomed by the teachers and staff. Through interactive and play-based learning activities, Maria slowly but surely began to overcome her social anxiety and develop strong social skills. She even began to speak confidently in both Arabic and English language classes, a significant accomplishment for a child who had previously struggled with communication.
The program also incorporated music and art activities, which ignited Maria's creativity and imagination. Her mother was amazed by the transformation she saw in her daughter. Maria started singing the songs she learned in class wherever she went, and her mother couldn't help but smile at the sound of her daughter's joyous voice.
Maria's homeroom teacher, Ms. Noor, played a critical role in her success. She provided ongoing support to Maria's family, including parent education and engagement activities, to ensure that they were equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to support their child's development. Maria's mother recently shared with Ms. Noor how her daughter had previously struggled to integrate with other children in preschool, resulting in her being homebound for 2 months. However, TYO's program has enabled Maria to overcome this challenge, and she now eagerly looks forward to attending the program every day, refusing to miss even a single day.
Maria's success in the TYO's ECE program is a testament to the power of a comprehensive approach to supporting children's development and well-being. Maria's success in the program is even more significant given the unique challenges of the COVID-19 era. The pandemic had disrupted the education of millions of children worldwide, and Maria may have been at risk of falling even further behind in her development without the support of the TYO's ECE program. For Maria and her family, TYO's program has been a lifeline, providing a safe and supportive environment for her daughter's growth and development. They are eternally grateful to TYO and its supporters for giving Maria the opportunity to thrive and fulfill her potential.
By Elena Gazzarri | International Intern
By Nuha Aghbar | Educator
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