Al Aqaba Kindergarten: Haj Sami's Dreams Made Real

Thanks to your support, Al-Haq Kindergarten continues to operate despite the challenging circumstances in the village. We recently met Rawheya, the head of Al-Haq Kindergarten, who shared with us both the achievements and challenges facing the school and the wider community.

At the kindergarten, due to the financial challenges of the local community, enrollment has dropped to 50 this year from 70–80 children previously. However, families facing dire financial conditions and unable to pay tuition are not charged.

The daily schedule runs from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM, with children coming from Tayasir, Tubas, and Al Aqaba. Children are offered lessons in English, Arabic, and basic math. Activities extend beyond academics to include storytelling, sports, songs, and educational TV programs.

One of the children’s favorite activities is “Khayal” (Imagination Room), which has themed corners such as a kitchen, a doctor’s clinic, and a small shop. This activity gives children space to role-play and imagine their future selves in different professions. Five children are also receiving speech therapy.

Al-Haq Kindergarten is a safe and vital space for children in Al Aqaba; however, it faces many challenges. Beyond the daily presence of soldiers that frightens the children, the kindergarten struggles with financial difficulties, insufficient support, and an urgent need for facility renovations. The school bus has become old and needs to be replaced with a new one.

The situation in Al Aqaba Village remains extremely difficult. Settlers move daily between homes carrying weapons to intimidate families. They demand that people leave their houses and even pressure families to tell their neighbors to leave as well. Currently, four families have been directly threatened. Children and young men are often targeted, their phones taken away, and mothers live in constant fear for their children’s safety.

Despite these hardships, the kindergarten continues to serve as a crucial space for learning, growth, and hope for the children of Al Aqaba. With sustained support, Al-Haq Kindergarten can continue providing education and safety for children in an environment where both are under constant threat.

Thank you for supporting Al Haq Kindergarten, which serves as a vital source of early education and stability for children in Al Aqaba Village and the surrounding areas, including Tubas and Tayasir. 

Despite the growing hardships faced by the community, Al Haq Kindergarten remains dedicated to serving families with care and commitment. This year, enrollment numbers dropped from 80-85 students at the beginning of the school year to only 50-55 children by the end of the year. Since the war began, residents of Al Aqaba Village have been unable to enter or work in Abda, similar to many other Palestinians. With no sources of income, local families are struggling to support their households, making it difficult for them to pay tuition fees.   

The economic strain, combined with increased restrictions and military presence, has created significant challenges for the residents of Al Aqaba. Despite these difficulties, the kindergarten remains committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for children.

Educational Program

• Children learn Arabic, basic math, and counting through songs, games, and storytelling. 
• Children learn about personal hygiene, including hand washing, etiquette such as table manners, and social skills like respect, teamwork, and appropriate behaviour.
• Creative activities, such as drawing, crafts, and music, are integrated throughout the curriculum.

Activities and Field Trips

Thanks to local coordination, children were able to participate in several field trips this year, including:

• They visited local health clinics and a pharmacy to learn about basic healthcare.
• The children toured a dairy factory and an herbal plant factory to learn about traditional Palestinian herbs, such as thyme and sage.
• They also made regular visits to the Al Aqaba library, which serves children from Al Aqaba, Tubas, and Tayasir.

Challenges

• Frequent military incursions into the village, including soldiers entering homes and tents, have disrupted life and caused psychological distress for families and children.
• Army training exercises take place close to residential areas and the kindergarten itself, often involving loud explosions during school hours.
• On days when the military is present in the village, children are unable to attend school due to safety concerns.
• Families report that farmland has been bulldozed, further impacting food security and income.
• Parents attempting to work in nearby villages are often held at checkpoints for long periods or denied passage entirely.

Achievements

• Several children who began the year with speech difficulties have made significant progress. By the end of the year, they were able to speak more clearly and interact confidently with classmates.

Ongoing Needs

The kindergarten continues to face difficulties in covering operational costs, including:

• Staff salaries for the teaching team, counselor, caretaker, and director.
• Daily transportation costs, which amount to 350 shekels.
• Learning materials, toys, and classroom resources.
• Facility improvements, including plans to build a shaded outdoor area to protect children during hot weather.

Thanks to your support, Al Haq Kindergarten continues to provide early learning to children of the Jordan Valley. Your generosity allows these children to experience joy, learning, and hope—despite everything happening around them.