Abdulrahman Kanoo International School bushwhacks Tanzania's woods

Akhbar al Khaleej
issue no.10937
monday 3/3/2008 P8

Adhering to the old adage "paramount learning is closer to practice", Abdulrahman Kanoo International School adopts its mission and learning objectives in line with the above adage. Since its early inception, the school has been inspiring young generation with such orientations and principles based on devotion to good deeds and exerting persistent efforts towards humanitarian work. The school administration spearheaded by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the demised Abdul Rahman bin Jasim Kano, staff and students as well have always been playing humanitarian roles. The plan initially aims at investigating the requirements of needy people in Bahrain and thereafter meeting such needs to draw smiles wherever misery prevails thus giving an example to meanings of and good deeds Now, the chance came to help develop these humanitarian concepts, making them clear before the school students and globalizing them in a way that enables them to know-how poverty and illnesses stricken countries especially in African. Therefore, these little charitable hands stretched to Tanzania; a country that suffers from severe poverty and hunger. Abdulrahman Kanoo International School has recently arranged a field trip for a group of secondary students in grade 9 and 10 to Arusha, Tanzania for eight days from 03-13 February 2008 in cooperation with Elfes International Organization. The trip was part of the humanitarian program base on a philosophy that lays great emphasis on developing the students' personal characteristics and increasing their awareness with regional and universal issues in order to build universal students capable to deal with contemporary issues such as poverty in the world. The trip started and the students landed in the depth of the black continent in areas that have long been denied by mass media coverage and where poverty strikes hard, children wander with filthy and torn out clothes that hardly cover their bodies. All the students were astonished to see those eyes yearning to see the newly arrived benevolent people. On arrival, and post the initial shock, all students started to get used to the norms of actual life there. They began to put the humanitarian and voluntary plans on track. Hence, students paid a visit to a school in a poor area where they contributed with class renovation, equipment maintenance work, helping in teaching, providing books and stationary and distributing some financial donations collected from parents and the school staff, in addition to organizing and participating in sport games. In order to ensure maximum safety, the trip was under the supervision of the principal; Mrs. A'aysha Janahi who accompanied the students and helped them accomplish the objectives of the humanitarian program along with full participation of the Assistant Principal, Mrs. Nadiya Dawood, Mr. Riyadh Baghi, Head of Intermediate and Secondary stage, Mr. Hamza Mahooni, Students…. And Mrs. Maha al-Turk, Head of Arabic Language Department and Mrs. Fatimah AL-Khawaja, Social Service and Voluntary Programs Coordinator. Regards the idea and objectives of this endeavor, Mrs. A'aysha Janahi, the principal, pointed out that the humanitarian bid that our students accomplished in Tanzania is an extension of such works has already been initiated in Bahrain. The main objective is to implant the behavior of social responsibility and introduce it through practical participation in global humanitarian issues such as poverty, unemployment and settled diseases, mainly, in Tanzania where suffering is noticeable. The Assistant Principal, Mrs. Nadiya Dawood, added that the trip was a unique opportunity to engage our students in humanitarian and voluntary works, supporting unfortunate and needy people in such poor country as Tanzania. This experience have helped our students to understand the living, social and educational conditions in other countries namely the poor ones where citizens are deprived from living opportunities that exist in our country. Moreover, this humanitarian work helps us understand the clear suffering of other poor nations. Whereas Fatimah AL-Khawaja, Social Service and Voluntary Programs Coordinator pointed out that the goal of the trip was not just a visit but to teach our students on the field and expand their experience and skills practically. Also, Mr. Riyadh Baghi, Head of Intermediate and Secondary stage, mentioned that the school is trying through this journey to build the a global personality in our students and in line with the sprit of contemporary lifestyle. The Students Comments: Fatimah Salem, participant student said that the trip has added to her personal and educational abilities. She expressed her astonishment to discover so poor spot on earth where such poverty and hunger prevail and so broke people . 'I got acquainted to new friends who were very friendly and welcoming though communication was trough sign language", a student Fatima added. "During the trip I have known many real cases of poverty and how people there find it difficult to earn a living. I feel a great happiness for the my humanitarian contribution towards those poor people who were enthusiastic to accompany and help us throughout our mission ", Ali Al-Sattir reported. Raniya Al-shaikh added that: "In addition to help needy people, I have learned new traditions and customs from different culture. I can’t describe my feelings when Tanzanians welcomed us with so unforgettable modesty and closeness". "The journey was a lesson and practical and educational experience. I personally have achieved many unexpected outcomes in Tanzania, for instance, helping children financially and psychologically , Mohmmad Rasheed Jasim said. He added, "I believe that the trip was a great success and pioneering step taken by the school. As for the beauty of Tanzanian nature, Dina Abdul-Nabi Khamis mentioned that Tanzania is rich with its natural landscapes, green forests and abundant water springs. Tanzania has the deepest well in the world, a scene that catches the eyes. Moreover, it is not only nature but Tanzanian people also are simple and helpful. Many companies participated in supporting the trip by sponsoring some participants. The supportive companies exert no effort to support voluntary and humanitarian work of the students in Tanzania. These companies include: Bahrain Telecommunication Company, Dar al-fikr, ahrain slamic Bank, Yousif bin Ahmed Kano Company, Mohammad Jalal and Sons. Amlak Investment Company, Fareed for Aluminum, Delmon – Car Rent, Ahmadi (Pepsi) Insha'a for Development and Real Estate, HSBC , Bahrain Confidential Emerson, Rosemount Tank Gauging and House of Travel.