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Shams El Birr Visits Brilliance International School!
Over the past years I’ve written many stories about visits to Shams El Birr. Today I’m very pleased to be able to write about a visit to our school from some of the Shams El Birr children and staff.
Our school devoted today entirely to art. Second quarter exams have just finished and so it’s time for a little relaxation. I thought what better time to invite Shams El Birr children to interact with our children on our ‘home ground’. Shams El Birr children excel in art of many kinds.
Today as we sat outside in the warmth of the fast approaching Egyptian spring sun the children painted, did clay modeling, rug weaving while one young man played a beautiful violin serenade in the background. After a short time our music teacher couldn’t help herself; she had to accompany him on the organ. The musicians had a great time and their wonderful music created a special atmosphere for all.
The day was essentially dedicated to art but the main purpose of integrating Special Needs children with normal school children is just to break down walls difference. Just because Special Needs children appear different or act differently from other children they after all are simply children! The first noted differences by some of our students slowly faded as the day progressed and before the day ended all children were playing together as children should.
For Dr. Morcos and I this represented a very successful day.
Today Brilliance School teachers and students who already knew these great kids and their ability gained added respect and admiration for them as they worked in unfamiliar territory. Our Grade 6 students commented that our visitors work was superior to their own!
I was especially impressed with the deaf children who worked with our art coordinator, Madam Ola. Madam Ola is not skilled in sign language but she and the children developed a very successful language of their own which resulted in some wonderful painting. Madam Ola commented on the skill of one young girl in particular named Odat whose attentiveness and focus was so intense that she even copied the small mistakes Madam Ola made during her demonstration!
Today Brilliance International School children and Shams El Birr children intermingled in unity as children. Today was a good day!
