by Basem Awad
The first day of school is usually colored
with a mix of emotions. This is as true in Jerusalem as it is in the United
States. Fortunately, this writer witnessed more smiles and laughs than
tears and frowns on the first day at Dar El-Tifl and Rawdat El-Zuhur schools
in Jerusalem, two partners in ANERA's Scholarship Program. Memories were
being formed as teachers introduced themselves to students, old friends
were reunited, and new friends were made.
One could sense the enthusiasm in the theater hall at Rawdat El-Zuhur (Garden of Flowers) where the music teacher led the children in singing Arabic songs while he played the oud, a guitar-like Arabic instrument. He was teaching the children a new song celebrating the beauty of everyday life, Call of the Rooster by the famous Lebanese composer Marcel Khalife. Rawdat El-Zuhur, in East Jerusalem, teaches over 250 poor and destitute boys and girls in kindergarten through sixth grade.
Mrs. Salwa Zananiri, the principal, described her excitement about the first day of class. "This day is going so well. The children are excited. They are wearing new clothes, bags, and shoes. They seem so happy - like they are on a field trip. The children look forward to school because in this country and its current situation, there is not much for children to do to entertain themselves."
Fidaa' and Riim, two middle school girls at Dar El-Tifl (House of Children), summed up the attitude of most of the children when they said "We are happy to be starting a new year. We missed school and our friends and are looking forward to learning and improving this year." Dar El-Tifl educates over 900 poor and orphaned girls, including 300 boarders, in East Jerusalem from kindergarten through high school.
The return to school is a welcome change for parents as well. Maisa, who has four children enrolled in Rawdat El-Zuhur, expressed relief that her children were now back in school. "It's not easy to take care of the children all day during the summer break...I will now have much more time to take care of other necessities." As to how her children were coping the first day, she explained, "The youngest one, who is in pre-school, was a little nervous, but she has seen her older sister and brother go to school with ease. She has followed their example."
All the joy and excitement experienced on this day cannot negate the fact that schools in Jerusalem are experiencing challenging times. While Mrs. Mahira Dajani, the principle of Dar El-Tifl, was excited about the progress of the first day, she pointed out that due to restrictions on movement and the wall being built around Jerusalem, 24 members of the staff either could not report to work or had serious difficulty arriving.
One of the teachers, Fawzia, told of the unusually circuitous path she takes just to arrive on time. "I leave the house at five in the morning, and finally arrive at the school at a quarter to seven. I am not allowed through the checkpoints, so I, along with hundreds of others, am able to enter Jerusalem through a small space in the wall." Yet despite her story, she has a smile and is full of vitality.
Another teacher, Najwan said "I love teaching here; I love the students. But I feel insecure about my job because of the situation. I never know when I can pass through the checkpoints, or when I will be able to visit my family. Nevertheless, I will continue to come and teach as long as I can." The words of these teachers describe circumstances that make it difficult for schools to keep qualified teachers.
But children have a knack for having fun, even in such situations. One could not help but smile as children played tag, boys showed off their toys, and girls giggled with their friends again. School is a wonderful experience for these children. As the school year continues, they will learn many things they did not know, acquire valuable social skills, and build close relationships with their classmates and teachers.
Every year over 200 needy children in ANERA's seven scholarship schools, including Rawdat El-Zuhur and Dar El-Tifl, receive scholarships ensuring that children whose families cannot pay for educational costs still are given a chance.
