Lebanon: New school opens to serve local community, refugees and orphans
This week, a new school, named the Aman School of Excellence, is opening its doors to over 600 students from the Beqaa region of Lebanon.
The opening of the school was marked with a large celebration, where parents, teachers and AMA staff were all invited to share the joy of the occasion.
The school, which took over a year to establish, is highly important in a region which is home to thousands of Syrian refugees, with limited to no access to healthcare, schools and vital services.
Aman, Arabic for safety, was established in an effort to secure the future of underprivileged children, many of whom have had to flee from the war in neighboring Syria.
Through donations, sponsored children at the school have access to tuition, uniform, food, transport and their equipment.
By providing education to refugee children, it lessens the risk of child marriage which is rife in refugee camps, as well as young boys being forced into early work.
The school also offers psychological support to children who may have experienced trauma.
Hussain Choonara, AMA’s regional director, said that the school represents hope and a brighter future.
“I can’t imagine what it will be like to see the children sit in these seats and in the classrooms,” he said. “They will be able to write their name in a dignified manner. Dreams are colourful, inspiring, motivating and they will finally be able to fulfill their dreams with the support from donors,” he added.
The Aman School of Excellence was first opened in October 2021, where AMA was able to rent part of a building to use as a school for those most in need. However, with further donations received, AMA has now been able to provide a full school, equipped with classrooms, a basketball court and a nearby mosque where Islamic and Quran lessons take place.
The students have been eagerly awaiting school to start, with many sharing their excitement with us.
“I miss the teachers,” one student said.
“I miss my routine, I would go to school, then come back and have lunch, study and sleep,” another said.
The school is also fundamental in allowing the students to reintegrate with others of a similar age and background, allowing some normality in their lives again.
For the majority of the students, going to the school will allow them to make friends and be in social activities again.
“I didn’t have friends before, but when I went to school I made many friends, and now I’m excited to have even more friends,” one young girl told AMA.
For some of the students, this will be their first time ever attending school. Many of them expressed their joy of wearing a uniform for the first time and learning new subjects, allowing them to progress further and dream big.
