Core Child Program

The TYO Core Child Program offers non-formal education activities in art, health, IT, music, English and sport for 4-8 year old children from the most disadvantaged areas of Nablus (three refugee camps, Old City and Khallet al Amood). Full-time TYO teachers develop the curricula with input from university professors, and a certified family therapist. All activities are designed to teach children self-expression, practical skills, and recreational coping strategies in a safe environment. Youth volunteers are trained to support teachers in the classroom, providing positive role models for the young children.

Core Program children come to TYO 4 times weekly during 8-week sessions totaling about 100 program hours per child.

• Art: A variety of arts and crafts activities provide a forum to explore topics like family and identity, offering an outlet for children to express their hopes, fears, successes and pain.
  
• English: International interns lead immersion classes to teach children basic vocabulary and expressions in English, offering a fun cultural exchange and a head start on their English studies in school.
  
• Health: Activities related to nutrition, personal hygiene, self-esteem and identity promote healthy development of children’s bodies and minds.
  
• IT: The Future Kids curriculum helps children to become comfortable with the basic computing skills that will be essential to their academic and professional success. These practical skills also contribute to children’s self-confidence and capacity to connect with others beyond their immediate community.
  
• Music: Making instrumental and vocal music teaches children rhythm and provides them with an important form of self-expression.
  
• Sport: Individual and group activities teach children motor skills, coordination, teamwork and healthy competition. Sports class also provides a safe context for physical activity which most of our children have no other access to.