Madeleine Mezagopian

A great indicator of human progress in any state is the status of the most vulnerable segment of the society, which is the status of the children.

Today, irrespective of a state’s level of development and its place in the world order, multi cases of bullying children in general , abusing children with disabilities, poor education of children especially not exceling the global English language, and last but surely not least children lacking the skills that enhance strong healthy empowered personality are much prevalent worldwide.

This said, a great surprise was awaiting those who are keen to advance the wellbeing of the children of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan including this author.

On June 15, two hours of tears, smile, sense of pride, dignity and hope one experienced during the celebration of the end of the 46th scholarly year of Princess Majda Ra’ad for Differentiation Education School at Al Hussein Society, Jordan Center for Training and Inclusion (AHS) entitled “Synergy.”

So many organizations and institutions embrace big ambitious slogans which often are not translated into actions. However, there are always exceptions, albeit few.

Princess Majda Ra’ad School is introduced as a leading educational institution that adapts on inclusive and differentiated learning approach that meets the diverse needs of all students while developing essential skills, self-confidence and independence.

On June 15, the celebration at Al Hussein Society reflected the great achievements of the Society at large and of the school in particular which goes much beyond the features of the school mentioned above.

Individual and group performances by the children between 7 and 13 years featured with utmost self-confidence, pride, dignity and strength did represent a great precious gift for the audience of students’ proud families and for each Jordanian citizen keen to witness what best reflects the well-being of our children.

On June 15 at the premises of Al Hussein Society, the voices of the students echoed strong and very humane calls of rejecting bullying and sarcasm, accepting and welcoming differences, embracing friendships and the uniqueness of each individual and supporting each other, thus representing best translation of synergy. Further, children’s voices did echo good citizenship and loyalty to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

These calls were translated through several performances which highlighted the skills of the children foremost excelling the global English language which is but an added value for their future career.

Much of daily life issues can be detected in the performances such as traffic safety, supporting each other, being friendly to the environment and celebrating differences, This said, the event reflected other great aspects foremost through the Executive Director Mrs. Annie Mezagopian Abu-Hanna rewarding and honoring AHS staff members of more than one decade of service while giving equal significance for each role and profession through referring to AHS care providers, drivers and specialized therapists as ambassadors of children’s safety.

Simply and with pride, the event represents an ideal representation of Jordan today, especially pertinent to the most needed partnership between such organizations and the private sector given several companies enriched the event with gifts, delicious healthy food, drinks and sweets with one aim of bringing joy to the children.

Last but surely not least, the uniqueness of Al Hussein Society, of its school, of its children, of its staff is based on AHS representing best translation of advocacy of human security which is not only preserved but also expanded through having the school elevated to the sixth grade. This uniqueness is combined with the high ethics, professionalism and generosity of Al Hussein Society given they share their experience and knowledge with Jordan’s twelve governances through building the capabilities of the governmental and private organizations that deal with people with disabilities.

Yes, a great news to be added with having the unprecedented humane legacy of late HRH Princess Majda Ra’ad preserved with HRH Princess Aisha bint Al Hussein becoming the president of Al Hussein Society.

Thus, Al Hussein Society, Jordan Center for Training and Inclusion is and will remain a center of pride, of dignity and of hope, a center that represents a true indicator of human progress through being a unique model providing comprehensive care and education to children, a model to be studied and followed on domestic and on international levels.