Parents play a crucial role in the story of
Palestine. A historically contested region, oftentimes referred to as a
conflict, is not identified for what it is, an ongoing occupation. As society
evolves, parents are actively working to change the narrative and enhance their
children’s understanding of Palestine’s ongoing occupation of 75-plus years.
Through thoughtful approaches to education, promoting empathy, navigating
difficult conversations, and spreading awareness among the children, parents
are making a meaningful impact on how history is perceived and taught. They are
imparting a deeper and more compassionate understanding of Palestine to the
younger generation.
اضافة اعلان
Taking on the story of Palestine for the
little ones
As a mom with two kids, I believe it is
incredibly important that we educate our little ones about Palestine’s history.
By teaching them about the Palestinian cause and its ties to Jordan, along with
the geographical borders as well as the cities and the villages of Palestine,
they could understand more about the world around them. We can make it fun by
engaging them in activities and reading stories that are age-appropriate and
that could introduce the facts and information more simply.
“From Us to Palestine”
For instance, since Israel launched its war on
Gaza, The Children’s Museum in Amman has been actively organizing various
awareness activities and campaigns for children to learn more about the
Palestinian cause. They have created a space where kids can express themselves
through drawing, writing letters to Palestine, and even engaging in
storytelling sessions that revolve around this important topic.
Additionally, the museum has taken a step
further by launching a special newsletter called “From Us to Palestine.” This
newsletter aims to keep children informed and connected, providing them with
valuable insights and stories related to Palestine. It is truly inspiring to
see how the Children’s Museum is fostering awareness and understanding among
young minds through a creative outlet.
Palestine in the formal curriculum and
extracurricular activities
To add on, Ohood Al-Masri, a dedicated
educator, shared with
Jordan News that within schools, every available
avenue is being utilized to engage students in discussions about the current
events surrounding the Palestinian cause. Through both the formal curriculum
and extracurricular activities, including morning assemblies and art classes,
efforts are being made to foster an environment where students can explore and
comprehend global events, encouraging their curiosity and deepening their
understanding of the world.
Children are eager to learn
Masri also highlighted the evident enthusiasm
among children to delve deeper into learning. This passionate eagerness among
the young learners fills her with immense pride and satisfaction. Witnessing
this strong desire to acquire knowledge ignites a sense of accomplishment,
knowing that my fostering a love for learning and a curiosity about the world
is taking root among the students.
Moreover, Zeenaty, initiated by Dar Al-Zenat
for Publishing and Expansion in Jordan, focuses on teaching the Arabic language
to kindergarten children and non-Arabic speakers across various proficiency
levels. Their approach involves using playful methods to make language learning
enjoyable for kids, which is widely favored.
The synergy of the Arabic language and
Palestine
Mais Saad, the owner of Zeenaty emphasized to
Jordan
News the profound significance of the Palestinian cause. Saad highlighted
the multifaceted approach taken by the center, mixing internal activities like
coloring sessions and storytelling with external initiatives such as organizing
child-friendly protests to encourage opinion expression. This comprehensive
approach aims to engender a deeper understanding and empathy toward the
Palestinian cause among both Jordanian local and foreign residents, who exhibit
a keen interest in uncovering the history and nuances of Palestine. Zeenaty’s
commitment to addressing these curiosities has led to an abundance of inquiries
about their upcoming events related to the Palestinian cause.
The olive trees, Dabke, and puppet theater
Furthermore, they are gearing up to launch a
series of engaging events commencing on December 17, 2023, coinciding with
Arabic Language Week. These activities, conducted in collaboration with
schools, encompass a diverse range of child-centric engagements. From crafting
hoops adorned with olive tree leaves to teaching children the art of
Palestinian Dabke and introducing them to puppet theatre, a fully immersive
experience.
Storytelling sessions on Palestine
Moreover, woven into these activities will be
captivating storytelling sessions that delicately touch upon the essence of
Palestinian culture and heritage, offering children a window into the rich
tapestry of Palestinian traditions.
Parents are vital
Parents are vital in shaping how kids
understand global issues and in safeguarding their developing thoughts from
outside influences. They create a supportive environment in which children can
explore diverse perspectives and learn to distinguish facts from fake news.
Parents play a crucial role in shaping the
intellectual and moral foundation of their children, fostering the development
of robust values that extend beyond the immediate family environment. Through
intentional guidance and modeling, parents serve as mentors, imparting not only
a set of beliefs but also the skills necessary for their children to construct
and articulate their own opinions. This process is instrumental in empowering
youngsters to navigate the intricate landscape of diverse perspectives and conflicting
viewpoints that they will inevitably encounter in the broader society.
By engaging in thoughtful conversations with
their children, parents provide a safe space for the expression of ideas,
fostering the confidence needed for youngsters to articulate and defend their
viewpoints. This mentorship dynamic allows children to develop a strong sense
of self and a capacity for discernment, enabling them to navigate the
complexities of the world with resilience and an understanding of the richness
that diversity brings.
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