Abu Dhabi students volunteer to help displaced children continue their learning

Abu Dhabi: A group of dedicated schoolchildren and their teacher are running a voluntary programme to help displaced children in the capital catch up on their education.

Organised by the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), in collaboration with the Sheikh Zayed Private Academy, the lessons have continued throughout the coronavirus restrictions. Speaking to Gulf News, the volunteers said the initiative, titled Basmet Amal, give them a real chance to give back to the community.

“Our school encourages volunteering, and I have been supervising community service programmes for the last few years. When ERC pointed out the need to help these children fill up gaps in their education, we were happy to assist,” said Raeda Faisal, an Arabic teacher at the school.

Since November, 35 students displaced from Syria and Palestine have been offered lessons in core subjects like English, Math, Arabic, Science, Islamic and Sign Language. Along with Faisal, 17 middle and high school students are volunteering for the programme.

“Because of their situation, the displaced children have missed out on essential lessons, and are unable to join a particular grade level at school. With our effort, we hope they will be ready and confident to get back to formal schooling soon,” Faisal said.

Faisal and her team prepare slideshows, organise competitions, and allow children to explore their talents. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the sessions were conducted in person, but the team has successfully transferred the lessons online since March.

Special lessons have also been organised to teach students about the importance of hygiene and cleanliness, and to help them develop their digital skills.

The classes are set to go on even during the summer, and volunteers show no signs of tiring.

Shatha Almazrouei, 15, an Emirate student in Grade 10, said she was enjoying the experience so much that she had set aside time for it even while juggling her own schoolwork.