Kids with unique needs will learn in a customized classroom

Displaced Iraqi students will now have a place to land, with customized approaches to their education.

A newly-outfitted classroom is almost ready at Good Shepherd Center, a Christian school serving displaced Iraqi students in Jordan. TSI donors recently funded this space for children with hearing and speech impairments, ADHD and autism. Funding covered floor mats, sensory materials, art supplies and an inclusive outdoor play area.

After fleeing ISIS, many students arrive from Iraq with the effects of trauma while others were born with a particular condition. Now, staff will have the ability to use Montessori tools and customized plans for each child as teachers work with students one-on-one. Each day will be divided between mornings in the new classroom and afternoons with the other students.

Principal Dawlat Hijazeen says the afternoon integration is important.

“We want them to be part of the community and learn how to be in the outside world,” she said. “We want them to understand they are not weird or strange, and the other kids can learn to accept them – they can be with them like normal. We want the mainstream kids to know how to deal with their friends in their situations.”

Four students will immediately transfer to the new classroom; five families are waiting to be admitted when the classroom is ready next month.

Thank you for your support of this important work in Jordan!