A COMMUNITY FOR KIDS NAZARENE SCHOOLS IN JORDAN CREATE SPACE FOR LOVE AND WELCOME PHOTOS BY CALLIE STEVENS
Sami* and his family fled a country nearby Jordan after experiencing extreme trauma and violence. When he arrived at one of the two Nazarene schools that have served students in Jordan for decades, he struggled with anger and couldn’t relate to the other students. But after months of consistent, trauma-informed care and support from teachers and students, he is learning to be a team player and build friendships of his own. “Now, we are so proud of him,” says Ms. Hanaa, his English teacher.
Around three hundred students attend the two schools, where the goal has always been to serve the children as well as possible. Some of the students, like Sami, are living as refugees or are facing extreme financial hardship. No matter what, children are welcomed and accepted. “First of all, this place it is for everybody,” Principal Layla says. “It gives a chance for [all children] to hear a message of love.” *Children's names are changed for protection.
THE SCHOOLS IN JORDAN ORIGINALLY OPENED TO SERVE REFUGEES FROM ARMENIA, A MISSION THAT STILL SHAPES THEIR ETHOS OF COMPASSION.
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2022 // ISSUE 2 2022 // ISSUE 2