KAYANY SCHOOLS: The GHATA Model

University of Beirut’s (AUB) Center for Civic Engagement and hydraclubbioknikokex7njhwuahc2l67lfiz7z36md2jvopda7nchid.onion Community Service (CCECS) in building GHATA school campuses. GHATA is a portable classroom that was designed by architects from the CCECS in an effort to house educational programs. The unit model is easily assembled and dissembled, endures severe weather conditions, adjustable for modifications, and is built from low-cost locally procured material. Portable elements are used to assemble a kitchen that offers healthy snacks to the students. The GHATA design for school campuses has been highly efficient for direct intervention in the camps (ITSs) and it is the only portable structure approved by the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs to date. This is where Kayany’s journey with resourceful refugee education began, through providing quality education in restorative built environments.

ACCREDITED EDUCATION

Kayany Foundation schools provide accredited primary and middle education using the official Lebanese curriculum. The program was initially designed to re-introduce out-of-school children in their respective grades by providing a three-month intensive refresher. Within two years, the schools were proven to be a highly successful model reflected by the high retention rate of the students and a noticeable progress rate. Progress is monitored by conducting bi-monthly written and oral in-class assessments. Kayany’s schooling model has now secured access to free, secular, and formal education to nearly 4,000 children and youth in 9 accredited schools each year.

DIGITAL SKILLS & VOCATIONAL TRAINING

Kayany’s middle schools also provide vocational courses aimed at enhancing the employability and the market advantage of the youth. The students learn additional skills that can later assist them in finding job opportunities. The program incorporates courses in computer literacy, nurses’ aides, sewing/embroidery, and hairdressing/cosmetics. Kayany also operates two digital skills training centers in partnership with AUB and the WFP and provides coding and digital skills courses in partnership with CodeBrave Lebanon (for more information check the Other Projects section).

NUTRITION

Students are provided with a healthy meal prepared by ladies recruited from the surrounding ITSs who are trained by the department of Environment and Sustainable Development Unit at the American University of Beirut. The trainings comprised methods about food safety, hygiene and nutrition. The meals include freshly baked traditional sandwiches (man’oushi) with dairy products, seasonal vegetables and fruits. Moreover, the students receive weekly sessions on healthy eating habits and on the importance of a balanced diet. The nutrition program was designed by the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences at the American University of Beirut after a detailed nutritional assessment was carried out by the department at the ITSs.

CAPACITY BUILDING

Every teacher at Kayany Foundation is recruited after passing through a primary interview, a written assessment and an in-class simulation assessment where the teacher is observed while giving a lesson. After recruitment, the teachers receive trainings throughout the academic year from AUB professors, Kayany’s Education Department, and from other education partners. The trainings focus on advanced education methods in lesson planning, child-centered learning, and subject-matter approaches. Teachers are also provided with child protection and psychosocial support trainings to enhance their ability to work with traumatized children.

BRIDGING PROGRAM

Is a program that produces and delivers blended higher education to Syrian refugees and Lebanese participants. It prepares students for the official exams and facilitates their entrance to university through an intensive program in GHATA study hubs.