Kindergarten for 100 Syrian children in Lebanon

The tension in the south of Lebanon is affecting many towns and villages in the region. This affects everyone and certainly adds to the challenges that refugees face.

The refugee children have experienced so much uncertainty that, for many, the early days are marked by indiscipline – perhaps disobeying rules, displaying stubborn behavior, not participating in classroom activities and or not engaging in the class.

The kindergarten continues to develop its approach that goes beyond traditional academics, incorporating play-based learning and creative activities. We see how the students learn to understand and manage their emotions better. Sessions held at the center include lessons about feelings. These are helping students to make friends, be more confident, and work well with the teachers. The lessons also give tools to handle different social situations and be kind to others.

These emotional lessons have become part of an individual student’s personalized learning plans. So, while learning about reading and numbers, they also learn how to deal with their feelings. The child’s progress is measured not just by what he or she learned in books but also by how well he or she understands their own emotions and how to treat others.

When the teachers meet with parents they give tips on how to help the child with lessons at home. The parents’ meetings focus on making sure the child’s social and emotional skills grow both at the kindergarten and at home.

As noted in previous reports, the teachers work with the whole family as they understand that it can be a relief to hear others discuss what they're going through, and realize they're not alone.

Group therapy is a powerful way to remind us of our interconnectedness.

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