Nour's World: A Bright Hope for Children’s Emotional Well-being in the MENA Region
In a remarkable initiative aimed at enhancing emotional well-being among children, the innovative program “Nour’s World” is creating waves in Lebanon and beyond. Developed through a collaboration between TNO and Thaki, this program builds on the success of previous projects like South Sudan’s “Build Your Own Buddy” (BoB), which significantly boosted children’s social-emotional health. The term ‘Nour’, meaning light, symbolizes its inclusive nature, catering to both boys and girls, making it relatable for all children. The program employs classical Arabic in a neutral accent, thus broadening its accessibility for Arabic-speaking communities across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Positive Emotional Outcomes
Recent research conducted in five Lebanese schools, which saw 305 children participating, reveals promising results. According to the findings, systematic assessments of the kids’ emotional and social health, conducted pre- and post-program, showed significant improvements in behavior, emotional well-being, and overall interpersonal relationships. Changes were particularly noticeable in areas such as hyperactivity, social interaction, and emotional expression. One child remarked, “Nour taught me that when I’m not feeling okay, I should change my location,” while a proud parent noted, “My daughter has started singing and dancing, which wasn’t like her before.”
Teachers echoed these sentiments, reporting marked advancements in students’ attention, interaction, and empathy. “They used to bully each other, but after each session, they began to embrace and say goodbye with warmth,” said one teacher. Another highlighted how children who once struggled to articulate feelings are now expressing themselves much more effectively.
Thriving Amidst Challenges
Despite facing considerable obstacles, including a financial crisis and severe electricity shortages—where some areas experienced just two hours of power a day—Nour’s World has thrived. The relentless dedication of communities, schools, and organizations involved has played a pivotal role in the program’s success. Abdo, a key figure in the initiative, expressed gratitude for the passion and motivation from all parties. Vink added, “When both sides come together with energy, incredible progress is possible.”
What sets Nour’s World apart is its adaptability in challenging environments. The program requires minimal teacher training, and thanks to partnerships with Thaki, participating schools receive laptops equipped with Nour’s World as an offline application—no internet connection necessary!
Expanding Horizons
The growing success of Nour’s World in Lebanon paves the way for exciting future expansions. With proven efficacy in Sub-Saharan Africa and the MENA region, the program is poised for implementation in diverse cultural contexts, even as far as the Netherlands. The ultimate vision? Elevating the app to store accessibility, thereby allowing families around the globe to benefit from the invaluable emotional skills that Nour’s World teaches—because mastering one’s emotions is essential for everyone, regardless of background.
Through resilience and commitment, Nour’s World exemplifies that providing children with emotional tools can create a brighter, more connected future. Keep an eye on this transformative initiative as it continues to light the way for young minds across the globe.
Tags:
#Lebanon #MENA #EmotionalWellbeing #Education #Lifestyle
