Shoebox Delivery

On Monday 29th September, the day before Eid, two classes from the ICS made a very special trip to Al Karameh Primary School in Mgablain. The day is one I certainly won’t forget

For two weeks prior to the trip, the children from the primary school had been asked to pack some special things in a shoebox for children less fortunate than themselves. The boxes trickled in slowly then, just before Eid, the collection increased dramatically; the number of boxes was so great that we managed to fill three tables in the foyer with colourful, beautiful gifts all wrapped up and waiting to be opened. 

In addition to the shoeboxes, we had the task of delivering 300 backpacks, filled with stationary, which were purchased with money donated by the British Schools in the Middle East during their conference here in Jordan last February.

Al Karameh Primary School has approximately 2000 pupils studying in two shifts. This is a temporary arrangement which will continue until the opening of a new school scheduled for February. Mr. Arafat from the Hikmat Foundation recommended the children at the school as worthy recipients of the gifts as he has been working with the school to improve safety on the roads for the children. 

When the day arrived to deliver the special presents, Miss Mathers, Miss Margaret and the Year 4 class excitedly filled the first bus and Miss Dunn and Miss Reem with the very eager Year 6 children, the second bus. Miss Hazel, Nasser and I jumped onto the bus with all the presents.

After unloading the minibus, we arranged the presents according to age and gender in the school hall. ICS pupils were then directed to specific classrooms where the children most in need were sitting. We chose appropriate gifts and gave them out to individuals who, after the teacher’s approval, opened them enthusiastically. Their reaction was wonderful and can be clearly seen in the photos.

After all the shoeboxes were distributed, the backpacks were given out. What a delightful reaction from the pupils who waved their hands in the air, smiling and saying thank you.

Well done to all the children who donated gifts and wrapped them beautifully – you chose lovely presents which were really appreciated. A big thank you also goes to Year 4 and Year 6 for all their hard work and smiles as they gave the gifts to local children. Finally, without the help of Sarra Bint Ghazi, who organized the purchase of the backpacks and liaised with Mr Arafat and Al Karameh school, the trip would not have been possible.

Eid is a time for giving, which many of the children agreed, can give more pleasure than receiving. ICS, you made many people very happy this Eid!

Sue Hill (Head of Primary)

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