During the “Arabic Cultural Day,” Ms. Ismael's students held an after-school event to showcase their acquired Arabic language skills and promote the middle school's Arabic program to the school, teachers, and parents.
For Ms. Sofi’s “Beyond Differences” project, students introduced Arabic culture and language to the school through an international week that concluded with an event celebrating diversity. The focus of the program was on how Middle Eastern culture influenced other disciplines.
This project will create an Arabic Club where students will demonstrate competence in using Arabic before a large audience. Parents and community members will participate in curriculum night and cultural events. We will host a forum where the community and school staff will learn about the education, culture, cuisine, customs, traditions, and daily life in Egypt. The project will promote and reinforce the Arabic language, students' fluency, and knowledge of the Egyptian culture.
Mohamed Etify received a CLP grant for his host school’s Arabic language and culture club, the Horus Club. The project supported activities that enriched the students’ knowledge about the target language and culture.
Adbelrahman Dawoud (Baltimore International Academy, 2018-2019) and Henriette Sindjui (Baltimore International Academy, 2018-2019) received a CLP grant for an Arabic Week Celebration which will include activities for students in the Arabic immersion program and students and parents in the Arabic Language Club. Activities included a guest speaker, exhibits of students’ work, music, and performances. Before the celebration, students and teachers worked in the language club to learn songs, dances, and other performances.
Ahmed Mohamed (2014-2015) received a CLP grant to take the CELTA certification course offered at the British Council in Cairo. In Egypt, Ahmed teaches English at the Assuit STEM School. Through the CELTA course, Ahmed will have the opportunity to develop as a teacher so as to be better equipped to prepare his students for higher education (many of his students apply to universities abroad) and future careers. He also plans to share the knowledge he will gain through the course with other teachers at his home school.
Ezzat Hassan (2015-2016) will be leading a field trip for students at his home school, Gesfa Secondary School for Girls, to Cairo to visit sites of cultural and historical interest. During this field trip, students will have the opportunity to practice English in a particular context. Prior to the field trip, students will have the opportunity to learn about American culture through webinars held by teachers at Ezzat's host school, Mentor High School. Following the field trip, Egyptian students will share their experiences on the trip with students in Arabic classes at Mentor.
Abdelhady Ali (2008-2009) received a CLP grant to found an American Culture Club at Gharbiya STEM School in Tanta, Egypt. Through this club, 100 students will have the opportunity to learn about American films, food, games, dance, music, sports, and holidays, as well as other elements of American culture. Students will also have the opportunity, as part of the American Culture Club, to attend workshops and field trips. Additionally, the club will purchase quality instructional materials to promote the English language program at the school.
Adel Ghattas (2017-18) received a CLP grant to conduct a project designed to introduce his students to the history of the Middle East through a rich artistic context, engaging them with the language and culture in a fun way. Mr. Ghattas worked with the global history teacher at his school to prepare and present on the Arab-Israeli conflict. After students had learned about the historical and cultural background, they watched the movie The Band's Visit and participated in classroom activities that explored the movie's characters and themes.
Mr. Ali developed an American Cultural Club at Gharbiya STEM School in Tanta, Egypt. This project included various activities, experiential learning and direct interaction that motivated and inspire students in their English learning. The CLP funding was used to bring the American English and culture to Egyptian students. The club was one of a kind in Tanta, Egypt. The American Cultural Club strives to reinforce tolerance for all people within the community and school.
