Palestinian Teacher Among World’s Top 10

Photo: Anadolu Agency

Ramalah, 17 Jumadal Awwal 1437/25 February 2016 (MINA) – A teaching method that focuses on promoting non-violence has turned a Palestinian educator into a finalist at a global competition.

Hanan al-Hroub, 43, was shortlisted for the Global Teacher Prize, which is set up by the U.K.-based Varkey Foundation, Anadolu Agency quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

“My teaching method focuses on promoting non-violence by teaching through playing,” al-Hroub told Anadolu Agency in an exclusive interview.

She said this teaching technique has helped her advocate values and tackle certain behavioral problems among students.

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“The Israeli occupation has caused many behavioral problems among our children,” al-Hroub said. “By using this teaching method, I have managed to solve these behavioral problems and have created a new peaceful and cooperative generation.”

The annual competition honors an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession.

Al-Hroub is one of the top 10 finalists. The winner will receive a $1 million prize at an awards ceremony in March.

There are around 44,000 teachers in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian Education Ministry.

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– Victory for Palestine

The idea of the non-violent teaching method came to al-Hroub after her husband was shot by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem during the al-Aqsa intifada, which erupted in 2000.

“My husband was injured. The Israeli soldiers laughed at him and left him [to bleed to death],” al-Hroub recalled. “This incident has left my children in shock. This teaching technique, however, has helped them recover and regain their self-confidence.”

Al-Hroub said she hopes to win the award in order to put her country on the world map.

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“This win will send a message that the Palestinian teacher is able to overcome all difficulties,” she said. “I say that a victory for my teaching method is a victory for Palestine.” (T/P010/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)

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