Girls in Jordan science camp aim for brighter future
(CNN) -- A science camp set up by a teenager is helping disadvantaged girls in Jordan gain confidence to aim for a university education.
The two-week SciGirls -- for 44 talented 12-15-year-olds from the Jabal Al-Natheef district of Amman -- has been set up by 17-year-old Palestinian Canadian, Yara Sifri.
Sifri, whose parents grew up in Jordan, had the idea for the camp and raised 22,000 Jordanian dinars (approximately $30,000) sponsorship to make it happen.
The girls are taken daily by bus to a school in another part of Jordan to study electronics, robotics and math through chess. In between classes, they learn art and soccer.
(CNN) -- A science camp set up by a teenager is helping disadvantaged girls in Jordan gain confidence to aim for a university education.
The two-week SciGirls -- for 44 talented 12-15-year-olds from the Jabal Al-Natheef district of Amman -- has been set up by 17-year-old Palestinian Canadian, Yara Sifri.
Sifri, whose parents grew up in Jordan, had the idea for the camp and raised 22,000 Jordanian dinars (approximately $30,000) sponsorship to make it happen.
The girls are taken daily by bus to a school in another part of Jordan to study electronics, robotics and math through chess. In between classes, they learn art and soccer.
She said: "I＇ve not done much science at school, so this is all new. It＇s challenging and that＇s what makes it fun. It＇s a chance to be responsible and to make new friends.
"I love playing soccer, which I＇ve never done before."
Haneen said she learned about the camp after doing a computing course at Ruwwad community center and that her parents were supportive of her taking part.
She said she hopes to study psychology at college and become a psychiatrist when she is older.
Sifri hopes to make the camp, which is currently running for the first time, an annual event and extend it across Jordan. She hopes the original 44 girls can continue coming to develop their confidence and skills until they are ready for higher education.
She said: "I＇m working towards finding funding for more scholarships.
"I believe in empowerment, to make them realize someone cares about them. Once they are given the chance they will work hard to prove to everyone what they are capable of."
Sifri described the difficulties girls in Jabal Al-Natheef face: "They often go to school in three-hour shifts. Any opportunities that come up are given to boys.
"They usually come from big families so there＇s not much attention, especially for the girls. It＇s rare for girls to go to university."
Dudin added: "I was deeply touched when Yara said she wanted to do this specifically for girls, and felt in my heart that it would be a tremendous opportunity for them. They are excited to feel so valued and engaged. The relationship she has built up with the girls is beneficial for everyone.
"We are committed to following up with these girls and developing their science education." |
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