Education

They have been learning through recreation for months. And today, this group of talented children are demonstrating their skills with the same tool.

Save the Children’s centre in Mount Lebanon was the stage of a series of spectacular performances, as children took part in an event to mark the end of a successful five-month Education and Child Protection project.

There is always a first time for everything. So the saying goes. A first day at school, for any child, is always an anxious, exciting time that marks a fresh start in life.

The stage is all set. The actors have rehearsed their roles and put on their theatrical outfit. The audience have taken their seats. They are ready for the moment. Ready for this ‘mini-adaptation.’

Hala* is sporting a green hat and carrying a splint oak basket. Faten* has draped a shawl around her head and put on horn-rimmed glasses that befit her grandmotherly looks.

His black duffle bag is full to the brim. He drags it along the floor and straps the drawstring on his shoulder with two consecutive moves. Today’s journey has begun.

Tarek, 12, is leaving his house to embark on a tour around one of the villages in Mount Lebanon. Inside his bag, there are clothes, linen and socks. For the next five hours, he will try to market as much as he can. He is a child on a mission.

Walking into this tent in the Bekaa informal settlement, there are many things that one will instantly notice.