About Al-Manar Society For Culture & Creativity
In 2019, we launched a community initiative in Aida refugee camp to respond to the urgent need of its young people, who were being subjected to violent oppression at the hands of the military occupation.
We aimed to provide youth, and young women in particular, with access to education; to offer psychological support and to empower them to participate in decision-making and take on effective roles within the wider network of refugee camps. At the same time, we sought to create a safe space for young women to express themselves and become agents of change.
The initiative evolved steadily and in 2021, we began working with youth and women’s groups inside the camp and implementing a number of cultural activities. It became a youth-led project, setting out to break down social barriers and limitations, forming a community in which both sexes aspired together to realise their dreams.
Today, we at Al-Manar Organization for Culture and Creativity are working on several programs that support women and youth, with the aim of providing opportunities for community participation.
Al-Manar Society For Culture & Creativity
Programme overview
We deliver English lessons to a cohort of 50 students located in Gaza and the West Bank. Provision consists of IELTS, General English courses and enrichment programmes delivered remotely to single-level groups.
Pastoral Care Support officers will be responsible for monitoring and promoting student wellbeing on our Educational programmes. This will involve conducting observations, mediating between the staff and the centre and taking part in training and input sessions.
As the sustained assault on Palestine’s educational systems continues, students and educators on the ground are in need of urgent assistance. Our ultimate goal is to provide support tor grassroots educational initiatives across Palestine, recognising their central role in fostering steadfastness and resilience.
Overview
We are an international teaching group integrated into the Al Manar Society’s structure. Our mission is grounded in the principles of:
- Solidarity with Palestine – Recognising and respecting the historical and socio-political context of the region.
- Decolonial Education – Contesting colonial legacies present within our educational systems by confronting narratives of invalidation and inequality
- Education as Liberation – Emphasising student agency and critical thinking as vital components of holistic learning.
Key responsibilities (to be shared with other staff)
Developing and implementing strategies, policies and procedures which contribute towards student wellbeing
- Observe classes and provide class-specific recommendations.
- Develop whole-school best practices for promoting student wellbeing.
- Identify at-risk students, establish support plans and provide ongoing assistance.
Implementing wellbeing activities and events
- Encourage student self awareness and foster mutual support through participatory action research sessions.
- Run reflective practice workshops with teachers.
- Deliver interactive workshops addressing specific concerns.
Providing early intervention for wellbeing and mental health
- Act as a first point of contact in the classroom for students experiencing wellbeing concerns.
- Respond to student wellbeing concerns raised by staff.
Qualifications
- Relevant degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field
- Professional certification in student counselling/welfare
- Experience in educational support services
- Mental health first aid certification
Reporting Structure
- Reports to: Programme Lead, Manar Qaraqe
- Works alongside: Teaching Assistants, Senior Teacher, Support Staff
Working Hours
- We ask for a commitment of two hours a week.
What we offer
- Action research sessions
- Technical guidance on the use of the platforms and systems we employ
- Support from our dedicated wellbeing staff
- The opportunity to widen the scope of your role as we continue to grow
- Potential for paid work, contingent on funding availability
- Professional development sessions delivered by renowned speakers
Location: Remote
Hours: Two hours per week minimum
Salary: Voluntary unpaid role. This is under continual review and, should funding become available, payment will be provided.