A Light in His Classroom (H.O.P.E –Bekaa)

God created us as social beings, we interact with everything around us and everyone we meet. What makes each person special is what he chooses to accept and learn from his environment, the way he understands it based on his cognitive style, and the style of life and values in his parent’s house. That’s why we always aim at HOPE Center to create an atmosphere that allows the students to learn and witness the Christian values, by inspiring change in every dimension of one’s life. Ahmad Khodor, a second-year student at the HOPE center, exemplifies these qualities, showing how the center’s blend of moral and educational guidance creates a foundation for well-rounded personal development.

Ahmad is a very kind boy; he always helps others in need and respects his teacher and classmates. He is work-oriented and finishes his given assignments on time. He shows active participation in discussions and also presents his point of view with full confidence. Indeed, one day during one of his English classes, Ahmad brought out this strength of his character when he overheard a friend bullying a classmate. His friend taunted the student, saying, “We shouldn’t let him play football with us because he’s too weak. He barely knows how to read or write, so he’ll make us lose the game.” Ahmad intervened, saying, “Stop bullying him. He may be struggling, but that’s no reason to treat him this way. Instead, we should be helping him, teaching him, and standing by him. We are all special in God’s eyes, each with special talents given by God.”

The teacher, noticing the conversation, approached them and asked about the issue. Ahmad explained, saying, “Teacher, he’s bullying our friend, and I’m trying to encourage him to help others instead of criticizing and belittling people.” He went on to explain that he learned at the center, through chapel sessions and Bible stories, the importance of respecting and valuing others, and helping them, because “God calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves.”

Afterward, the teacher noticed that Ahmad was still using his notebook from the previous year. She asked, “Ahmad, why are you still using your old notebook?” He replied, “I want to keep it as a memory so I never forget that this center was where I first learned to read and write. This place is special to me because it gave me my first opportunity to learn.” His words reflected his gratitude to both God and the center where he learned about the only source of all good things and blessings.