“What I enjoy most is that we choose the discussion topics and the events that we like to do” — Unnamed Teen at CRP
Many of the teenagers in the refugee community of Amman are not currently in school. After several years out of school, they are unable to re-enter formal education in Jordan. For those in school, classes are overcrowded, with around 45 kids per teacher. As a result, there are a number of undereducated teenagers with nothing to fill their days. Teen Group seeks to provide a place where teens can learn, create meaningful connections with peers, and spend their free time. Teen Leadership and Weekend Activities are the two primary aspects of our Teen Group and while there is a lot of overlap, teens are free to choose which events and activities they attend.
Teen Leadership
Partnering with Rotary International, as part of our Education Campaign, Teen Club meets weekly. The group chooses their own discussion topics each week. Topics often relate to issues in their lives, or have more general themes such as teamwork.
Twice per month, for six months, the teens undergo leadership training. At leadership training, the group learns skills such as debate, decision making, critical thinking, and presentation.
During these meetings, the teens who stand out are chosen to act as Education Advocates for younger kids. These Education Advocates volunteer with the After-School Program. They set a good example for the kids and create positive connections between community members despite age differences.
Weekend Activities
Each Saturday, a group of teenagers gathers at CRP to choose an activity. Skateboarding is a popular choice, as is soccer. Sometimes the teenagers go on group field trips. CRP gives them a chance to build a community among themselves, and the group has gotten close over the months. These activities enable the teens to build confidence by trying new things and gaining skills. These activities also provide a fun and healthy outlet for getting outside and being physically active! This group is more informal and social than Teen Leadership.
Special thanks to Rotary International and Schüler Helfen Leben for their support in this program!
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