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IC NEWSLETTER -
SUMMER 2010
10
Abu Bilal had almost given up when his phone
rang. “We are calling from the International
College and have collected some money to
buy you water pumps,” said a female voice.
“We understand that you need them.”
Abu Bilal was stumped. It was an answer to
his prayers. “I couldn’t believe it,” he recalled.
“People still cared after all.”
Homeroom teacher, Reem Sardouk and her
grade 3 students had heard that Mar Elias camp
residents were not getting adequate water to
their homes. The solution was simple: water
pumps. At $55 per pump, the poverty stricken
camp residents were unable to buy them. As
head of the Popular Committee in the camp,
Abu Bilal turned to various NGOs. To no avail.
Until he received Sardouk’s phone call.
“We have 25 water pumps ready for you,” con-
tinued Sardouk who later relayed every word
of her conversation to her excited students.
In the other grade 3 sections, advisors Diana
Kaaki and Mona Beyhumwere doing the same
with their students.
For the past few weeks, they have been earn-
ing the money for the water pumps.
Layan Barhoumi, 8, washed the dishes, helped
prepare meals and cleaned her room.
“I felt bad,”she said. “We’re all children. We’re all
the same. But we have water and they don’t.”
For his part, Mohamed Khalil, 8, babysat his
cousins and tidied up his little brother’s clos-
ets. For each chore, he earned LL1,000. He
proudly deposited LL15,000 into their fund.
“I am so proud that I’m doing something to
help those people,” he said. “I’m luckier than
they are and I should help them.”
As part of the PYP program, grade 3 has been
studying about water. Part of the unit requires
them to take action “for a social justice,” said
Sardouk. “Kids have to do something to show
that they have learned. It’s not a paper and
pencil thing. They must respond to the prob-
lem. They must make a difference.”
Word reached them about the water short-
ages in the camp. Grade 3 they set to the task.
There was one strict condition though: every
lira had to be earned. Parents were hassled for
more and more chores.
“I did so much at home except vacuuming,”
This page: Mar Elias pump or
1: Maya Marmar is thrilled to
get a strong jet of water
Next page: grade 3 kids.
Bottom: Elementary school
director, Julia Kozak, is given
a tour of the camp to see the
pumps at work.
Grade 3
to the
rescue!