Al Aqaba Kindergarten: Haj Sami's Dreams Made Real

Dear Friends,

During the last school year in Al Aqaba, there were many chlldren whose parents were unable to cover tuition. In May, thanks to your help, we sent a grant of $6746 to Al Haq Kindergarten in Al Aqaba to cover expenses like electricity, salaries and fuel for the busses. These are vital grants to keep the kindergarten opening.

Unfortunately, the number of children dropping out of kindergarten continued.   115 out of 136 who first enrolled, graduated and are now starting their first grade of elementary school.  Twenty-one little children dropped out.

As they faced these difficulties, Al Aqaba continued to think about this new school year and how to attract students not only from Al Aqaba but also from the surrounding area to provide them with a good learning experience. We want to keep the tuition as affordable it is (100 NIS/month for the first child, 80 NIS/month for the twin — this is a few of $25/mo or less) which is less than the other kindergartens in the area so to win as many students as possible. We know how important it is to have as many children as possible there in the village — the teachers give them a nurturing, safe environment to help them learn and grow, and they become the heart of the village too, pouring energy, life and continuity this remarkable place.

The principle and teachers ask your help to provide scholarships to thirty one Kindergarten students this year.   To fund all 31 tuitions for 9 months, we ask your help to raise $6975. 

Our project qualifies for the Microsoft Youth Spark Matching Grant.  This Wenesday Oct. 7th, starting at 12pm Eastern time, your donations up to $1000 will be matched -- that's a great way to propel this Scholarship program forward.

Please mark your calendar for Wednesday!

Sincerely,

I visited Al Aqaba village on Sunday 14^th of March. When you come to this tiny village, it’s very quiet until reaching the center when you start to hear the children voices all around you. Their lively voices and laughter bring life and energy to this place, even as the sounds of heavy weapons and machine gun training at nearby Israeli military camps would overwhelm the human voice of existence.  

The children are happy and active. They sing songs to me and let me into their world.

"I like coming to the Kindergarten to play with my friends and have fun"
"I like learning the alphabets and singing songs here"
"I like to draw plans"
It was clear how the kindergarten offers an important space for these children to live and grow.

Kindergarten principal Noha said, "The kindergarten is the energy dynamo of Al Aqaba village and the essential element of life here.    It's like the minaret in the middle of the sea.   Even when parents come to pick their children they like to stay around for a while and hang out in the playground.  It's the only outlet for everyone here and the source of good feelings for everyone around."

I want to say we’ve got to do better at raising funds for scholarships. 

The kindergarten, like all early childhood education in Palestine is private and it depends upon tuition to pay staff and expenses.  Sadly Noha, the principal told me that ten children dropped out since January this year. And almost all students have not paid their fees for January and February. This might result in more students quitting as it embarrasses parents when they cannot pay tuition. It certainly puts financial pressure on the administration. Many students haven't paid for many months from last year and tens can't even join the kindergarten.

“We want to give all children the opportunity to come to school, and we want to hold on to our students and give them the best learning experiences, however it’s hard with the limited resources and difficulties we face,” said Principal Noha.

It is not just the kindergarten building that keeps the whole village standing — it's the wonder and hope of all these children. I hope you will continue to support Kindergarten Scholarships for Palestine – especially the Kindergarten in Al Aqaba.

P.S On Wednesday, March 18th you can stretch your donation to Kindergarten Scholarships further! It's a Global Giving match day and all donations up to $1,000 will be matched by 30% starting at 9 a.m. EST. Set your alarms!