A Winter Visit to Noor Academy
Board President, Amine, visited Noor Academy on a cold day in February, bring hats donated by our partners. Though the temperatures inside and out were chilly, the welcome he received from the staff and children truly warmed his heart.
Keeping a Warm Heart in Winter
At the refugee school’s parent-teacher conferences the teachers provided individual progress reports, discussing successes and areas for growth, and invited parents to share feedback about their children. This encouraged collaboration between teachers and families.
School Resumes and Humanitarian Aid Delivered
In early September, we began our second year at Noor El-Salam Academy in Beirut with a full house of 220 students and 5 teachers. Sadly, only days later, the full-scale bombings started in southern Beirut. The children's eyes show the strain of war. Our staff does everything they can to give them a sense of security and comfort during this frightening time. At the moment, they are all benefiting from having a few hours a day to study and play together, taking their minds off the constant noise of overhead drones and nearby bombardments.
Your response to our campaign for humanitarian assistance for the displaced families in Lebanon was overwhelming. We were able to immediately send the funds to our trusted allies on the ground in Lebanon. They distributed boxes of food, blankets, tents, clothing, and other necessary items to those sheltering in the streets, schools, and churches.
Graduation and 3 Field Trips
Amine returned to Lebanon in late July to participate in the first graduation ceremony of Noor El-Salam Academy in Beirut. Lead teacher Amira borrowed caps and gowns for all the students. Gift boxes were donated for each student by another non-profit. Parents attended, speeches were given, and a live-stream video was made.
Spring Semester Ends, Summer Schedule Begins
The children at Noor Academy studied hard, took exams, and celebrated the end of the school year just like any other school. However, in the midst of these normal activities, our teachers had growing concerns that hunger was pervasive among the students. Amira, our lead teacher, managed to find another nonprofit to step in and provide occasional snacks for them which has helped.
Video Message of Appreciation
Amira, Noor Academy's lead teacher, describes the wonderful care and education of children at the school and expresses a message appreciation.
Spring in Beirut
Noor El-Salam Academy is growing and thriving under Amira's leadership and her team of 4 teachers and 2 staff. Amine spent several days at the school, participating in classes and meetings. He was pleased with the progress the students have made, the dedication of the staff, and the cleanliness of the facility. He held meetings with staff to discuss the summer months and future needs. All staff members plan to return next year to continue the work. He also met with parents who expressed deep gratitude for the changes they are witnessing in their children and the superb communication they receive from the staff.
Grief, Grace, and Gratitude
Grief
Across the world, people are grieving the destruction of Gaza and death of civilians in Israel. In our collective grief, we yearn for Salam - peace for all people in Israel. We recognize that time is running out for desperately-needed humanitarian aid to arrive in Gaza. Gazans must receive the immediate supplies and medical aid they need and be allowed safety and security to return to their homes.