As a part of the Tech Tribes-implemented, UNESCO-funded project that created a Youth Information Center (YIC) in Al-Rabae’ Bint Mouawath School, a series of trainings are being implemented to revamp various spaces in the school, and introduce new non-formal education methods. After launching the project and renovating a library space, as well as two computer clusters, Non-formal education methods and paradigms are being taught to teachers in the school via various training programs. One of these trainings is a Training of Trainers (ToT) on the “Learning to Live Together” (LTLT) program. This program aims at integrating an intercultural and interfaith learning approach into learning processes to bring out self-reflection and critical thinking.

The Program started with a 10-session program as a ToT directed towards teachers in order to familiarize them with the Training Program and train them on adapting its modules within their context. The ToT was implemented in March 2016 and resulted in a wave of appreciation and enthusiasm amongst teachers who are now proficient in turning conflicts and tension-laden situations into ethical lessons based on respect and empathy.

The program comes as an intervention after an initial assessment in the schools showed a great degree of tension and conflict between Jordanian students and Syrian students hosted in the school in a second afternoon shift. The program focuses on knowing ones’ self and the other, and working together to transform the world.

After the above-mentioned ToT for teachers, the LTLT lead trainer; Ms. Hind Farahat, will be implementing the whole program with the help of trained teachers to 26 students from both shifts, so a bridge of trust and reconciliation can be erected.

Miss. Mariam Al Nahwan, a teacher who enrolled in the ToT sessions, said: “We are so grateful, and we can already envision how we will implement these ethical principles with our students. The program has given us tools to translate what we already live and experience into concrete fun activities, through which we can instill values, ethics and good behavior”.

The Learning to Live Together Program is a part of the Ethics Education Initiative of the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC), which Tech Tribes is a part of through the Arab States Regional Coordination Office; The Ecumenical Studies Center, Amman.