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.