Beyond the Classroom: EduCamp with Al Jabr School

True education often happens outside the traditional classroom. This April, the air at YUM Cipanas has been filled with an extra spark of energy as we welcomed students from Al Jabr Islamic School for a multi-day Educamp. This collaboration brought together Al Jabr students and 145 of YUM’s beneficiaries for an exchange of skills, laughter, and future dreams.

The purpose of the EduCamp program is to give students the opportunity to participate in YUM projects and experience the daily life of the communities supported by YUM. Through this program, students can broaden their perspective, learn more about the world, and actively get involved in community service.

Al Jabr School chose to come to YUM Cipanas so that students could directly engage with these activities and gain real-life experiences beyond the classroom. By joining the YUM EduCamp, students not only learn about social responsibility but also contribute financially to more than 10 projects in health, education, and community development within the local community.

A Playground for the Youngest Minds

The first part of their activities involved our youngest participants from the Preschool and Tutoring programs. For two days, 35 preschool children explored a world of sensory wonder. They sang along to live music played by their "big siblings" from Al Jabr and turned fallen leaves into art. Beyond the fun, they even learned vital lessons on safety through geological flashcards.

In the afternoon, 45 students in the Tutoring program dove into even more diverse experiences. One moment they were practicing Muay Thai and coding on their worksheets, and the next they were blending healthy smoothies or crafting natural soaps. Whether they were painting pandas or creating melodies inspired by the nature around them, the focus remained on hands-on discovery and joy.

Mentorship and New Perspectives for Teens

As the week progressed, the focus shifted toward our older sponsorship students in middle and high school. The first day was defined by movement and reflection. After high-energy sessions of soccer, dodgeball, and painting, the students gathered for a powerful reflection in the hall.

The Al Jabr students took the lead to share a message of hope regarding higher education. They addressed the real fears our students face concerning economic barriers to university. By discussing scholarship opportunities and the importance of early preparation, they turned a moment of doubt into a shared vision of what is possible.

Creative Visions and Lasting Bonds

The final day of the Educamp unlocked the students' creative potential through photography and film. Half the group explored the world through Polaroid cameras, creating physical memories decorated with personal touches. Meanwhile, the other half stepped into the role of directors and writers to craft storyboards for their own films.

This exchange was more than just a series of workshops. It provided our sponsorship students with a unique opportunity to interact with peers from different backgrounds, gaining new technical skills while building lasting confidence.

We are incredibly grateful to the students of Al Jabr Islamic School for so generously sharing their knowledge and creativity in such a fun, engaging way. As the final photos were taken, it was clear that the bonds formed during these few days would leave a lasting impact on everyone involved.