Tariq A. Al-Maeena

Faiza Aziz, a Pakistani, came to Jeddah when she was barely two years old, and except for brief sojourns for advanced studies abroad has been living here ever since. She declares that this is her home. And she is making the most of it by giving back to the country that has hosted her since she was a toddler.



Realizing that the city had a scarcity of schools catering to children of all needs, including those who require special attention, she opened Jeddah Grammar, an institute catering to the young and using the latest technologies to equip students with current global knowledge. As she explains it, one of the new devices is a “Smart Board”; an interactive whiteboard which transforms formerly “slow learners” into eager, active learners.  It motivates children with cognitive difficulties to take part in learning and actually enhances their learning abilities. It is especially helpful for children suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and learning disabilities.

 

Jeddah Grammar is also a springboard for young minds to develop and progress toward the next level; a platform where the young are given immense care, love and education which helps develop them mentally and physically. The institute focuses on helping weaker children grow stronger and instills confidence in them. It not only focuses on children with special needs but on regular kindergarten children as well to prepare them for primary education or entry tests for admission to top class schools. The curriculum involves early learning in English language, arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, health and life skills, and the fine arts. Early learning in information and communication technology is included in instructional activities.



Jeddah Grammar has also initiated a summer camp. Two programs are on offer: the summer program and the Ramadan program, both of which will cover a period of ten weeks. Each week has been planned with creative ideas that will enable children to develop their skills in many different aspects, starting from social interactive sessions to learning about creatures of the deep. It is different from other summer camps as all these sessions will involve the critical development of the children exposing them to history, animal planet, living things, story writing and drama.

Explaining how she got started, Faiza recalled, “My journey began at a concert held for special needs children where I met a very dynamic lady who was involved in helping handicapped youngsters. As soon as I met her, I realized this work was for me. Through her advice, I set out on a long and straight path stretching over two and a half years. During my time in HOPE, a multilingual, multicultural center for children with exceptional needs, I attended many enlightening workshops and enrolled in various training courses. I also taught children with special needs and learned a lot from my work. 



"Later, I was flooded with different ideas and thoughts about those who could not afford sending their children to expensive schools. Hence, I decided to start something of my own; something which usually people resist doing due to a lack of resources. I rented an apartment and started the ‘Life Center for Special Needs’. I wanted my institute to be equipped with the latest activities that could actually help those special children. The basic idea behind it was to cater to families on a tight budget. Their children are the ones who suffer the most. In the beginning, some families with limited means brought their children.  Later, others who could afford to began sending me their children. I couldn’t have asked for more. My life was taking itself to a whole new level. I started using my skills along with an academic curriculum to teach these children.



"One day, my journey took me to another dimension. The parents of one of my students saw my hard work and held out a handsome proposal to me. It was awe inspiring. I was dumbfounded when it was placed before me. The parents decided to invest in my dream project. The project, which had been the vision of my life since the very first phase, finally came true. I started off with only six students in January 2012, and now thanks to God the number has gone up to about 35 students.



"Jeddah Grammar is basically a place which caters to those needs of children which other institutions are afraid to even try to deal with. These children just need a little push, the motivation to step forward, to fulfill their potential.



"Initially, my parents were afraid that I might not succeed. At that time, I even developed doubts myself, but now I realize they had always wanted me to achieve something better and fly even higher in my career. They are very proud of my work.”



And we share their pride Faiza. By your service to those little ones with special needs, you are paying back in abundance to a society that has hosted you, and for that we are grateful.

The author can be reached at talmaeena@aol.com