Sometimes, the most important part of a journey isn't the first lesson, it’s the moment you stop and ask: “Where are our students actually starting from?”
At the Khadija Innovation Lab in Sheikh Ayach, Akkar, we just hit a huge milestone. We kicked off our Digital Literacy and Coding Program with a group of 18 students from Grades 7, 8, and 9. We started with a pre-assessment to see where everyone stood, and honestly, the data was interesting: 22% were beginners, 67% were at an intermediate level, and 11% were already showing advanced skills.
To make sure we’re actually making a difference, we’re going to be tracking this closely. We’ll be measuring our impact by following each student’s attendance and their progress through different tests as they move through the levels. For us, it’s about making sure every student who walks through those doors is actually gaining the skills they need to succeed.
But what really stuck with me wasn't just the numbers or the tracking. It was the energy in the room.
Right now, Lebanon and our whole region are going through so much instability, displacement, and constant worry. Schools aren't just classrooms anymore; they’ve become sanctuaries for families affected by the war. In a world that feels like it's shifting every day, having the chance to learn feels like more than just a school project. It feels like an act of hope.
After the assessment, we dove straight into our first 2-hour training session. The students started with the basics of programming using Scratch. Watching them realize they could actually create with technology, not just use it, was incredible. You could feel their curiosity turning into real confidence.
Innovation doesn't start with fancy equipment; it starts with a mindset. It starts when a student realizes they have the power to build something new.
Huge thanks to Rabih Nohman and Mhamad Naaman who volunteered to lead this journey with so much heart. Day one was just the start, but it reminded me that even in the toughest times, growth is possible. This is how change begins.