Al Aqaba Kindergarten: Haj Sami's Dreams Made Real

Thank you for supporting Al Haq Kindergarten, which serves as a vital source of early education and stability for children in Al Aqaba Village and the surrounding areas, including Tubas and Tayasir. 

Despite the growing hardships faced by the community, Al Haq Kindergarten remains dedicated to serving families with care and commitment. This year, enrollment numbers dropped from 80-85 students at the beginning of the school year to only 50-55 children by the end of the year. Since the war began, residents of Al Aqaba Village have been unable to enter or work in Abda, similar to many other Palestinians. With no sources of income, local families are struggling to support their households, making it difficult for them to pay tuition fees.   

The economic strain, combined with increased restrictions and military presence, has created significant challenges for the residents of Al Aqaba. Despite these difficulties, the kindergarten remains committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for children.

Educational Program

• Children learn Arabic, basic math, and counting through songs, games, and storytelling. 
• Children learn about personal hygiene, including hand washing, etiquette such as table manners, and social skills like respect, teamwork, and appropriate behaviour.
• Creative activities, such as drawing, crafts, and music, are integrated throughout the curriculum.

Activities and Field Trips

Thanks to local coordination, children were able to participate in several field trips this year, including:

• They visited local health clinics and a pharmacy to learn about basic healthcare.
• The children toured a dairy factory and an herbal plant factory to learn about traditional Palestinian herbs, such as thyme and sage.
• They also made regular visits to the Al Aqaba library, which serves children from Al Aqaba, Tubas, and Tayasir.

Challenges

• Frequent military incursions into the village, including soldiers entering homes and tents, have disrupted life and caused psychological distress for families and children.
• Army training exercises take place close to residential areas and the kindergarten itself, often involving loud explosions during school hours.
• On days when the military is present in the village, children are unable to attend school due to safety concerns.
• Families report that farmland has been bulldozed, further impacting food security and income.
• Parents attempting to work in nearby villages are often held at checkpoints for long periods or denied passage entirely.

Achievements

• Several children who began the year with speech difficulties have made significant progress. By the end of the year, they were able to speak more clearly and interact confidently with classmates.

Ongoing Needs

The kindergarten continues to face difficulties in covering operational costs, including:

• Staff salaries for the teaching team, counselor, caretaker, and director.
• Daily transportation costs, which amount to 350 shekels.
• Learning materials, toys, and classroom resources.
• Facility improvements, including plans to build a shaded outdoor area to protect children during hot weather.

Thanks to your support, Al Haq Kindergarten continues to provide early learning to children of the Jordan Valley. Your generosity allows these children to experience joy, learning, and hope—despite everything happening around them.