In June, the kids who will be taking their middle school and high school exams next year, two key stages in the school career of young Syrians, signed up for the after-school program in Damascus (of the “Seeds of Hope” program in Syria) and at the end of July they spent a day out of the classroom to get to know each other and their country better. An opportunity for fun and sharing while waiting for the school year and remedial lessons to begin in September *. This year, the operators decided to leave early in the morning to visit some archaeological sites, starting with Khan Asaad Pasha where, after a nice breakfast, an official told the kids about the origins and development of the place. The trip continued to the nearby Azem Palace, an archaeological site of great beauty, divided into several pavilions and rooms that illustrate and explain many of the customs and traditions of Syrian folklore. The tour was very detailed and ended with lunch in one of the old restaurants in Damascus. The high school kids continued the afternoon in a bar where they continued their time together with songs and organized and improvised games. All the kids were enthusiastic and wanted to take lots of souvenir photos to share the experiences they had outdoors with their peers. The day gave a first-hand experience of the atmosphere that can be felt at after-school, a place not only to catch up on your scholastic gaps, but where you can meet your friends, grow together and experience fun educational moments that you will remember for a long time!
“In Syria, after years of war and difficult conditions due to international sanctions, public services are practically non-existent, first and foremost school services. Children cannot follow lessons well in overcrowded classes with few teachers and cannot study well at home.
To take the exams, they all need very expensive remedial and advanced courses. The after-school program in Damascus offers these services, in addition to recreational activities, at low prices to support the humblest families who want to give their children a good education. In June, the intensive courses begin and then in September the kids choose the subjects in which they have the most difficulty and for which they need to be accompanied by the teachers and operators of the center”.
