We partnered with Right to Play to strengthen the education and well-being of our youngest learners. More than 400 grade one and grade two students across our centers benefited from play-based literacy and social-emotional learning activities.
After receiving training, which provided new resources on play-based learning and social-emotional learning at the start of the project, teachers participated in four Community of Practice sessions to exchange knowledge and strengthen their approaches. Similarly, our students’ caregivers—mothers and fathers—attended workshops led by our psychosocial counselors dedicated to enhancing their parenting skills.
The Learning Minds Project successfully enhanced our students' Arabic literacy and Social-Emotional Learning from February to September. It also transformed our learning environments by repurposing classrooms in Jurahiya and Jeb Jennine into vibrant libraries, installing new playground equipment, and expanding safe spaces with a covered tent and upgraded facilities. These combined efforts are nurturing brighter futures for our children by reinforcing learning, well-being, and community support.
Empowering Students: A Leap in Literacy and Well-being
The heart of the project was our play-based literacy and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) classes. By moving beyond traditional learning, we ignited a genuine joy for education. The results speak for themselves:
The endline assessment, using the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) tool, revealed significant progress: reading scores for Grade 1 students doubled, while scores for students in Grades 2 and 3 nearly quadrupled. These numbers represent more than just metrics; they represent children unlocking the foundational skill of reading, opening up a world of future opportunities.
“I couldn’t read at the start,” 11-year-old student Hussein says. “I joined Grade 2 and now I’m at the top of my class.”
Beyond academics, we fostered growth from within. Students learned to manage emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions through structured SEL activities, creating a more supportive and engaged classroom environment for everyone.
Building Capacity: Teachers and Caregivers as Champions of Change
True sustainability comes from empowering the entire community surrounding a child.
Our Teachers’ Communities of Practice (CoP) became hubs of innovation and support. Educators collaborated to refine their skills, regularly integrating play-based and SEL techniques into their lesson plans. This professional growth ensures that the project’s impact will endure, as these trained teachers become mentors for new staff.
“At the start, it was a bit challenging because the students had to learn how to differentiate between playing and reading,” Mr. Ziad, a teacher at Jusoor’s Bourj Hammoud Center, says. “But the variety of activities we learned with Right to Play and implemented with the children on how to divide the students into groups, doing quick activities that keep the class lively throughout.”
Furthermore, we successfully engaged approximately 100 parents and caregivers through dedicated CoP sessions and needs-based training. These sessions provided safe spaces and practical strategies to enhance family well-being, with many participants reporting improved communication and dynamics at home. To support their journey, we distributed parental wellbeing kits, a small token of our appreciation for their vital role in their children's education.
“In our society, we are not familiar with concepts such as psychological support or children’s mental health,” Sahar, a student’s mother at Jurahiya Center in West Bekaa, shares. “We learned how the child’s brain works and how to deal with tantrums, for example, by hugging them till they calm down so their brain can start to regulate their emotions again.”
Creating Enhanced Spaces for Learning
We also invested heavily in our physical infrastructure to ensure a safe and stimulating learning environment. Key enhancements included:
- New Libraries & Classrooms: Soundproofing classes, adding a new classroom in Jeb Jennine, and constructing a mezzanine library in Jurahiya.
- Facility Upgrades: Comprehensive repairs, repainting, and essential plumbing work.
- Playground Improvements: Installing new swing sets, slides, and sports equipment to encourage active play in Jeb Jennine
- Digital Learning Tools: Procuring 40 tablets, 200 headphones, and a color printer for each center to enrich our interactive reading activities.
Into the Future
The project's success is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, dedication, and a shared vision. We extend our deepest gratitude to Right To Play for their unwavering support and professionalism.
While the project has concluded, its legacy is just beginning. The skills our teachers have honed, the support our caregivers continue to provide, and the vibrant learning environments we’ve built will continue to benefit children for years to come. We have built a strong, mutually beneficial relationship and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to renew this transformative partnership in the future.
