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IH Benghazi Battles to Continue Courses
Staff and teachers at IH Benghazi are bravely working to keep the school running in the midst of trying circumstances. Although much of Benghazi, Libya is seeing daily fighting and air raids, many of
our students are still keen on improving their English and attending lessons. Fortunately, the school is located in a minimally affected area and many of our teachers and staff have been able to report for the new term. Although short-handed due to many
areas of the city having been evacuated, staff has been successfully registering teen and adult students for new courses. As a testament of Libyans dedication to improve themselves, teacher training courses are also planned for the term. IH Benghazi regrets
that not all of our teachers, staff and students have been able to return yet, but we hope they will soon and applaud the dedication of those staff, teachers and students who have returned.
We asked students and teachers some questions about the situation. When asked if they thought it was dangerous to attend the school, most staff and students felt that the location of the school and the
timing of lessons made it safer. One student answered, “No, it’s not (dangerous) because the situation in the mid section of the city is not dangerous at all. Specifically, (you) see boys and girls attend in a normal way.” Questioned if studying English was
worth the risk, students and teachers all felt that it was because English is a global language and important for their futures. One student said, “I would be honored to die while I am learning.”, reflecting the view that education is itself a jihad, or striving
to please God. About half of the students and teachers don’t know anyone who has been affected by the fighting, but many mention knowing someone who has lost their home or a loved one, sometimes even their own relatives. A few people are pessimistic about
Libya’s future, however, most believe that things will improve after some time. One person reminded us, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” IH Benghazi students and teachers want a safe progressive country with no fighting, no killing, peace and prosperity for all.
(photo by Abdalla Doma)
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