Joud is a second-grade student in primary school. She transferred from Ghassan Kanafani School to Hermann Gmeiner School after the teaching staff at her previous school struggled to support her due to the lack of a special education teacher.

Since joining Hermann Gmeiner School, the teaching staff has noticed both behavioral and academic challenges. Joud had difficulty staying focused in class and showed signs of hyperactivity. Teachers repeatedly reported this; she would create noise, ignore rules, leave the classroom without permission, and wander around the school aimlessly.

Academically, she struggled with reading difficulties, writing, and copying from the board. She also couldn’t distinguish colors.

In response, her second-grade teachers designed an individual learning plan tailored to her abilities. She received special support sessions in collaboration with the special education teacher and the English teacher, aiming to improve her academic performance and monitor her progress. After attending these sessions regularly, Joud showed remarkable improvement, she began recognizing colors and letters, her focus improved during coloring, and she was able to write numbers with more confidence.

On the behavioral side, Joud became noticeably more disciplined in class. Her disruptive behavior decreased, she built friendships with her classmates, and her self-confidence grew. Feeling accepted and supported helped her reduce the habit of leaving the classroom without permission.

Today, Joud is genuinely happy at school. Everyone treats her with love and care, and she comes every day with excitement.

Joud says: “I love school so much, and I love my teachers. I’m very happy. When I grow up, I want to be a teacher just like Miss Raghda, my favorite person.”

Her special education teacher, Ms. Raghda, adds: “After we recognized the challenges Joud was facing, we were able to help her overcome her learning difficulties and hyperactivity, which had been preventing her from focusing in class. The result was a complete transformation; Joud became like a butterfly, spreading joy wherever she goes. Her eyes sparkle with happiness and a deep desire to learn. Joud’s story reminded me that my role in education is not an ordinary one.”