On our first morning in Amman we were provided with an overview of Questscope's history and philosophy. Particular attention was given to the development of their core methods, including a community appraisal process and a number of innovative educational strategies, curriculum development and certification.
Later that afternoon we were given a chance to see firsthand some of what had just been presented. It was a local school where Questscope had established a GED-type educational program. The people participating were a group of young Iraqi women and girls who had been displaced by the aftermath of the Iraq War.
To put the experience into words at this point would be difficult, if not impossible. Five Americans and a dozen Iraqis facing each other with a gigantic elephant sitting in the room between us. There was a palpable blend of emotions hanging thick in the air. Sorrow. Guilt. Bewilderment. Stifled rage. All of us were aching to understand and to be understood.
Through our interpreter, one child told us how she lost her father to the violence. Another asked, "What can you say that would give me my hope back?" All we could offer in the moment was, "This. We're here now. Hopefully to know you better, and for you to know us better."
We need to offer more.
Keith Blomberg
blombergk@gmail.com
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment