Hello, I'm Doaa, a basic education teacher at Hands Up Project in Cairo. I'll take you with me on a little journey to tell you about the most beautiful times and activities I spend with my wonderful students.

There are ten students in my class, aged between four and seven years old, divided into two groups, with three days a week for each group. We start our day with lots of hugs and longing 😊, then the children have their breakfast together, shared and communal. After that, we start with the first activity, which is their favorite - story time. The story is in both Arabic and English (where I read and translate at the same time). Then, we start learning some simple basics like letters, numbers, names of animals, fruits, and vegetables in both Arabic and English.

I use some educational games, pictures, and videos to activate and encourage them to learn 🇵🇸. When I feel they're getting bored, I bring out the drawing books and colors. I can't tell you how much they love drawing and want to practice it daily 🖍️. Every time, they surprise me more than before, with how these small fingers create such beauty. At first, they couldn't even hold the colors between their fingers 🫶🏽.

Then, we start exploring the beauty of their paintings and begin a journey of questions and long discussions - what did you draw, for whom, and why? 🤔 I start hearing their wonderful answers, like poetry (this is the sea, this is a house, that's grandpa, and that's mom) ❤️.

Not to mention, my students have an amazing ability to memorize and understand. They were able to memorize many welcome songs and anthems of peace and love 🥺 (in both Arabic and English) in a short time. Despite their young age, I think this isn't strange, as the Palestinian child has always been known for their intelligence 😇.

At the end of our day, my wonderful heroes, after three hours of great work, help me tidy up the classroom 🙏🏽. And I start persuading them that time's up and they have to leave 😂 (note: they want to stay with me and sleep in school) 💔.

If you want to live one of the most beautiful days, I advise you to experience it and join us 👋🏽

Duaa the foundation teacher for the youngest group