Source -plan-international.or
Championing Education Through Activism
Aseel, a Palestinian-Jordanian pursuing a master’s in audio-visual translation, has dedicated her life to advocating for educational reforms. With a background in English language and literature, Aseel’s journey into activism began early in her life. Her passion for education was further ignited through a unique teaching experience at a Palestinian refugee camp in Jordan, where she was tasked with implementing non-traditional teaching methods.
The camp, managed by university students, provided Aseel with firsthand insight into the challenges faced by students in underprivileged environments. Traveling to the camp on public transportation, she observed the harsh realities of life there, particularly how financial constraints impact the quality of education. This experience highlighted for Aseel the critical link between financial resources and educational opportunities.
Overcoming Challenges to Foster Learning
Aseel’s initial class consisted of 25 girls, and she approached teaching with a creative mindset, driven by her belief that traditional methods were inadequate. Her own struggles with ADHD had shown her the shortcomings of conventional teaching approaches. Despite the challenges, including safeguarding students from harassment and convincing parents of the club’s value, Aseel remained committed to providing quality education.
Her dedication stemmed from her recognition of English as a vital skill in today’s world. In a context where the life of women and young girls is fraught with difficulties, Aseel’s efforts aimed to offer these students a crucial tool for their future success. Her work involved adapting activities to the limited resources and space available, ensuring that education was both relevant and accessible.
A Vision for a Progressive and Inclusive Future
Aseel’s advocacy extended beyond her teaching role as she joined the She Leads project, where she became part of the UN cohort and later the Middle-East and North Africa Regional Advisory Board. This involvement enriched her understanding of education-related challenges and reinforced her commitment to transforming educational systems.
Currently pursuing her MA in audio-visual translation, Aseel is exploring ways to incorporate accessibility studies into everyday educational practices. She envisions a future where education is the highest priority, addressing the systemic issues that hinder progress. Aseel believes that outdated educational methods are insufficient for preparing students for the fast-paced technological advancements of the 21st century.
Her ideal future includes a world where schools are safe havens, free from conflict and attacks. She imagines a scenario where children are not subjected to the horrors of war or deprived of basic necessities. Instead, she envisions schools that are inclusive of all students, regardless of physical or mental conditions, and where creativity is nurtured and integrated into the curriculum.
Aseel advocates for a future where education systems embrace diversity, support students with disabilities and focus on developing practical problem-solving skills rather than mere memorization. Her vision is for a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive in a just and equitable educational environment.
In summary, Aseel’s dedication to advancing education reflects her commitment to creating a world where educational opportunities are universally accessible, inclusive, and designed to meet the evolving needs of the 21st century.
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