Help kids cope with COVID-19 consequences

Dear Reader,

We at Akwan For Holistic Learning have been observing with a great concern the consequences of COVID-19 measures on kids & teens in Jordan. Poor socialization, frustration because of limited wi-fi and devices that lead to poor access to online education (in economically vulnerable families), confusion because of constantly changing measures, and lack of tools to cope with all the above, which results in anger management issues, withdrawal, demotivation.

We want to support kids in our community in these difficult times,  by doing what we love most: organizing extracurricular activities for kids & teens to socialize, co-learn, deepen their knowledge about themselves and the world, feel part of something bigger than themselves, cope with the stress they have been through and activate their growth.

How? Through two 3-months long programs: The Philosophy Club & The Gardening Club. 

There are many kids in Amman who need and want to be part of these programs (that we have previously opened for registration), but their parents are unable to afford the cost, as the economic situation in Jordan has been devastating since last March and the strict lock-down that was enforced. We would like to offer those programs for free, but our own unstable financial situation does not allow it. Therefore, we are asking you to chip in or share this campaign, and sponsor 20 kids from socially and economically vulnerable families to get the nurturing support they need now more than ever. The funds raised through this campaign will cover the cost of the programs (materials, transportation, facilitation fees, space rent). We need to collect the funds by the 10th of October, to start the programs on the 16th of October.

Every penny counts, and we appreciate tremendously your contribution, especially in these times that are difficult for everyone everywhere. 

What are we going to do in each program and how it will help?

I. The Gardening Club (6-12 years old):

1. We’ll get familiar with the concept of permaculture and its importance in Jordan and the region
2. We’ll learn how to grow plants in small spaces
3. We’ll explore the source of our food and dive into the differences between healthy and unhealthy foods
4. We’ll prepare a garden for planting
5. We’ll grow and harvest seasonal vegetables starting from seeds
6. We’ll compost
7. We’ll learn about different types of soil and the creatures and elements that live within
8. We’ll meet children online who are gardening in their schools in different parts of the world and hear about their experiences and share ours

It will contribute to:

1. Activation of team spirit, sharing and taking initiative
2. Reducing stress and anxiety
3. Enhancing the capacity to focus on specific tasks and finish them
4. Enhancing self-trust physically and emotionally
5. Cultivating patience
6. Developing  planning skills
7. Activation of the capacity to care for the self and for others
8. Feeding the instinctive love for exploration and curiosity
9. Experiencing learning from younger and older peers
10. Getting closer with nature, grounding and exploring identity

II. Philosophy Club (13-17 years old):

1. We’ll learn how to turn chaotic thoughts into clear ones
2. We’ll practice and improve the precious skill of listening
3. We’ll dive deep into our thoughts and those of others
4. We’ll learn the art of argumentation
5. We’ll cultivate the capacity of separating emotions and thoughts
6. We’ll explore the difference between opinions and ideas
7. We’ll learn how to differentiate a real question from a fake one
8. We’ll question a bunch of stuff together
9. We’ll learn sharing our thoughts with others clearly
10. We'll learn how to really dive into whatever we hear or read

This will contribute to:

1. Reducing anxiety when sharing in a group
2. Reducing stress
3. Enhancing the capacity to focus
4. Enhancing self-trust
5. Cultivating patience
6. Reducing fear of making mistakes
7. Activation of active listening to really understand the other
8. Cultivating love for thinking
9. Learning to be present
10. Understanding emotions and managing them
11. Learning to make rational decisions

  If you want to know more about the programs, write us.
                                                                         THANK YOU!
Photo by Photomix