The small world school

MARS Organization•Stories•Education Sector•The small world school

The project housed 1200 Syrian refugee students in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, offering formal education in a school established in Taalabaya in 2014. The school, with 16 classrooms, 4 offices, a cafeteria, and outdoor facilities, accommodated morning and afternoon classes for elementary and preparatory/secondary students.
Due to challenges like missing documents and diverse academic backgrounds, a proficiency test was conducted for registration. The educational program, spanning 9 months with two semesters, followed the Syrian curriculum focusing on core subjects and included exams to assess student progress.
To address the psychological impact of war, weekly supplementary classes provided psycho-motor support, drawing sessions, and sports activities. The project also supplied books and school uniforms, alleviating economic burdens for parents.

 

Project Objectives:

The project aims to secure 1200 school seats for refugee students in the Middle Bekaa, overcoming legal barriers that impede their access to education services and alleviating the economic burdens that hinder their children’s access to schools.

Project Activities:

  • Enrolling 1200 students in kindergarten to secondary levels and the subsequent opening of the school involved adopting Syrian and Lebanese curricula, hiring teachers, and organizing logistics. Monthly and weekly plans were then created to guide curriculum implementation and assessments.
  • Teaching all subjects across academic levels for the first and second semesters follows the designated curriculum and educational plan.
  • Monthly assessments, following weekly plans, motivate students for continuous learning through written and oral evaluations, along with ongoing assignment monitoring.
  • Rehabilitating the students, with a focus on self-esteem and leadership, involving interactive sessions, competitions, and public speaking training. Sports, entertainment, and recognizing outstanding students contribute to their holistic development.

Project locations:

Lebanon – Bekaa Valley – Town of Taalabaya