Ramadan 1433 - Z and S

I have met so many wonderful people while working with the Academy in Jordan, that I could probably spend a year writing about them. As I mentioned, I want to acknowledge those folks who have made a positive impact on my life, and I am continuing in this post with two remarkable women who have proved themselves brave, loyal, and above all, honest. And like some others I have profiled here already during this blessed month, very different women.

Z is a very serious and silly person. She is very professional in her work, a great leader and role model, and has a very compassionate heart. Sometimes her serious facade cracks a bit and you see that playful smile she tries so hard to hide. I have watched her in classrooms and in the academy, and I know that UNRWA is so blessed to have her in her job. She has been a great help with the work of the academy, and has been a good mentor so many of the other teachers.  Z works very hard, and is always willing to help anyone. She needs to eat a bit more during workshop sessions though.....

S is a very silly and serious person. She has a lot of passion and energy, and can be very playful and engaging. But S can be very frank and earnest too, and I was amazed with the zeal she displayed when she was defending the academy against some noxious and immature attacks. In the classroom she is like a gentle and firm older sister to her girls; one minute gently admonishing, the next cajoling and reassuring. I saw a lot of confidence and trust in the eyes of those little girls, quite a testament to their teacher.

In January, both these busy professionals took time out of their schedules to spend a day with Shirley and Rachel, and it was one of the things those two appreciative Americans talked about long after we returned. Z and S are special, because in their own ways they are so indicative of a large number of incredible women making lasting and substantive changes in the lives of Palestinian young ladies in Jordan. When the world looks at Middle Eastern issues, it fails to focus on heroes like Z and S (Mudeera Saghera and Mudeera Kabeera, Ahmad and Sultan) and many other wonderful souls I will get to later this month. This oversight is the world's loss!



*BTW, when I use the word "silly" I use it in an American sense as a very large compliment - letting others see the softer side of your nature. It is a rare skill and so important in a classroom or group setting.