Spring in Beirut
The School
Noor El-Salam Academy is growing and thriving under Amira's leadership and her team of 4 teachers and 2 staff. In addition to two half-day sessions with 60 children each, we added an in-between session with 20 older children who have not had the chance to go to school before. We have expanded our staff to include a new teacher and a full-time custodian. Soon we will add a volunteer teacher from Europe who will provide much needed supervision and love to the youngest learners in our Level I class and teach English in all Levels.
SupplyDeliveryPrior to Amine's departure, supporters donated 150 pounds of school and hygiene supplies! A shout-out to Longs Peak Methodist Church and to the folks at Frasier Meadows Retirement Community for their contributions to the school supplies. For the second year in a row, Dr. Tim Owens, DDS, of Berthoud, provided more than 120 toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes. Many others dropped supplies at the door in the weeks leading up to Amine's visit. Prior to Amine's departure, supporters donated 150 pounds of school and hygiene supplies!
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.
Celebration of Newroz, a Kurdish New Year holiday.
Newroz
The teachers held a traditional Kurdish New Year's celebration for the students and their families. Many are from the Kurdish area in Syria. Kurds celebrate Newroz on March 20 which is the arrival of spring and their new year. It is considered the most important Kurdish festival of the year. Communities generally gather together in the evening wearing traditional Kurdish clothes in bright reds, greens, and yellows to dance, have a bonfire, and play games.In Syria, Kurds have had to struggle to celebrate Newroz and in the past they have been persecuted for observing it. They celebrated freely at Noor with the staff!
An Update on the ConflictThe Lebanese have been on tenterhooks since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.Both surveillance and missile drones frequently fly over the south of Lebanon. There are many bombs dropped by the IDF every day. They have landed within a few miles of Amine's family home. People live in a state of unease and anxiety; they mourn friends and family killed in the attacks. If the war does not end, everyone predicts it will certainly reach Beirut. We can only advocate for peace and hope it will come soon.
Kindness
Kindness can transform someone's dark moment with a blaze of light. You'll never know how much your caring matters. Make a difference for another today.
-Amy Leigh Mercree
Like the blaze of bonfire light at Newroz, we can bring hope and peace to these children living as refugees in a dark moment. The school IS making a difference, and your care and support DO matter. We appreciate you!Cash contributions are needed on an on-going basis as you are able.
Donate Online Or donate by mail:Noor El-Salam, PO Box 45, Hygiene, CO 80533. We will continue to work for peace and to give children hope through education and love.