Mrs. Hanan Azzam- Director
Ten years ago, the Mar Elias Institution, encompassing both the high school and elementary school, had grown significantly. Along with this growth, the number of staff increased as well, particularly with many young female teachers who were married and had children. The challenge of managing their professional responsibilities while caring for their babies led MEEI to open a nursery. This initiative aimed to provide a trustworthy and nurturing environment for their children, enabling the young mothers to focus on their teaching duties.
We established the nursery, which allowed around 35 young mother teachers to bring their babies early in the morning. They would entrust their children to the nursery, then head to their respective classrooms in either the elementary or high school. After completing their teaching responsibilities, they would return to the nearby nursery, named after the Prophet Elijah, to pick up their children and go home. This project has been instrumental in allowing these mothers to fulfill their professional roles effectively.
The nursery began with 12 children and has since grown to accommodate 35 babies, cared for by five dedicated and compassionate kindergarten teachers. These educators work with patience, love, and enthusiasm, collaborating closely with the Mar Elias board of trustees and the parents.
Managing such a diverse group of children, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, was a complex and delicate task. The pandemic did lead to a noticeable decrease in the number of children. However, we remain hopeful that the numbers will increase as conditions improve.