Teaching Kids about Green Healthy Homes



The project team from left to right

(Shireen Khaldi, Maiss Razem, Zein Razem)

Since being awarded the Alumni Community Action Grant for the project ‘Teaching Kids about Green Healthy Homes’ in July 2015, I have been thrilled at the passionate responses from students in exhibiting genuine concern for our environment. This project represents an initiative to teach 14-year-old students about green healthy homes. By showing a model of a green home, showcasing energy saving devices in the classroom, and distributing water-saving devices, the students are engaged and learn the positive role they can play to become environmentally conscientious citizens of Jordan, which is a country that is scarce in energy and water resources.

The project, which I named ‘Bayti-Bee’ati’, which translates to English as ‘My Home is My Environment’, is run by a team of three that includes myself and Shireen Khaldi as the architects and presenters of the sessions, and Zein Razem who is a co-presenter and activity coordinator.


                     Model of a Green House showing shadows  in summertime                     



                            Team presenting at Haya Cultural Center                   

 

So far we have held six sessions: four at UNRWA Schools for Girls, and two at community centers. Unlike most schools in Jordan, community centers provide a meeting space for many students from various schools to widen our circle of influence, and reach out to both boys and girls. The experience thus far has been rewarding for us and the kids.

Children learning to make miniature home models



 

 

 

In Jordan, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) provides basic education to over 115,000 students from Palestinian refugee families at 172 UNRWA schools, with girls making up around half of UNRWA students. By networking with staff members who worked at these four schools the project was warmly received. Three sessions were held,  at UNRWA Schools of Marka district in September, and one at Zarqa district where three took place during October; the first of which at Haya Cultural Center for kids, the second at Zaha Cultural Center to Princess Rahma and the team of Greener Amman 2020, and the third one at the UNRWA School of Nazzal district. In total, 205 students attended these sessions. They were especially interested in the model (pictured below) that embodied all the environmental aspects of what represents a green home.

The Team with HRH Princess Rahma &                                                                                        

Mr. Imad Dabbas, Head of ‘Green Amman 2020’ Committee

Throughout our presentations, I noticed how the students were captivated by the view of the model in front of them—leaning from their desks to capture every detail of the model’s exterior. Many students asked incredulously: ”Did you make the model yourselves? It is really amazing!” When I assured them that we made did them from scratch, several of students announced that now they aspire to become architects! It is in these special moments that my team and I feel most proud. We are serving as models of professional and creative women for students still finding their paths.

 

"Several students announced they now aspire to become architects!" ~ Riman

 

Students discovering design features of models

When asked what a green home is, the majority of the kids answered that it is a home with a lot of plants, which shows the limits of the literal use of the word ‘green’ in their environmental vocabulary. Once the roof of the house was removed, the students were divided into groups to view the house’s interior and brainstorm about the environmental features they think are unique to the house which included furniture materials, colors, room layout and zoning.

 

The model proved to be a thought-provoking tool and a source of admiration by all such as Nada who reflected, “I liked the model, since it is well-made and very beautiful and I hope to make one just like it in the future.” Not only was the message of the importance of environmental architecture delivered to the children, but the joy of contemplating the design and artistry of the house also brought them a deeper understanding of architecture as a profession.

 

Eager students answering questions about the environment

Next, a thermal imaging camera was passed along the desks showing the areas where heat was emitted in the classroom from possible sources such as artificial lighting and windows, which added another visual conceptualization for the kids to learn of the need of thermal insulation and the use of non-heat emitting lamps.  The students were thrilled to see the environment of their classroom transformed into heat emitting objects, as they were shown how the classroom’s light bulbs and windows were bright yellow/red compared to their blue surroundings.

 

 

Maiss showing the heat detected by the thermal imaging camera

 

In general, the students easily understood some environmental concepts such as the value of recycling, use of energy-saving lamps, and the importance of planting (since most of these practices are taught and/or implemented in their schools). It was evident; however, that many were oblivious to the energy and water shortage problems Jordan faces today. The term ‘grey water’ was a new concept for them. One student remarked, ”Why do we need to use grey water if I can simply open the water tap and get clean water instead?” This made me realize that the water crisis in Jordan is not understood, and that it is not enough only to deliver a message that we need to save water, but also to communicate the extent of efforts and financial burden the government has undertaken to provide potable water with very limited resources.

Students from First Marka School showing water saving devices

In the end we hope and truly aspire to instigate behavioral change through the knowledge gained by these kids to positively influence their households.  After analyzing the responses from 136 evaluation forms filled by the students, 71% answered they had no prior knowledge of green homes, and 60% did not know about what an architect does; an insight that warrants further attempts at spreading awareness through this project. While the grant ends in October 2015, ‘Bayti-Bee’ati’ is only in its startup phase. In fact, organizations such as Zaha Cultural Center and Amman Ahlia University, have expressed interest in partnering with us in the future. In order for this movement to spread and to become a national campaign, not only targeting schools of Amman but other governorates as well, we will need partner organizations’ help. I am hopeful and eager to continue this impactful mission that is stirring ripples of change in my beloved Jordan.





For more information on what has been achieved so far, visit ‘Bayti-Bee’ati’ Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/envirohabitation Maiss Razem is a Jordanian alumna who received a Master’s degree in Architecture from Virginia Tech.





Seattle: Coming home to a place I’ve never been before

I spent the past summer - from June to August 2015 – interning as part of the Retail Leadership Development program at Amazon in Seattle. I was working with the Canada Retail Team on reducing the amount of inventory that goes into markdowns. The project involved a lot of data analysis and number crunching but also innovation as we came up with new solutions to transform how the business works. Finally, I was able to witness and contribute to the huge “Amazon Prime day” event, an exclusive sales event for Prime members which turned out to be a major success. 

During my time at Amazon all of my work was directed at the impact that my project would have on Amazon’s customers and how to make them happy. That culture is a unique one and not many businesses adhere to the extreme standards that Amazon abides by when it comes to customer satisfaction; this aspect was a great learning experience for me. Apparently consumers aren’t the only ones that Amazon knows how to please: with the dog treat vending machines on each of the office floors, it is no wonder a lot of Amazon employees bring their dogs along to work daily. As a dog lover I enjoyed working on great ideas being surrounded by man’s best friend!

Making friends with Hunter in my cubicle space

Now to the best part of my internship experience: Seattle! Seattle for me was like “coming home to a place I’ve never been before.” I was living in Capitol Hill, one of the city's most prominent nightlife and entertainment districts. This neighborhood is known for its history of art and culture and is full of cafes and bars. On weekends, I nurtured the part of me that loves being outdoors: I went hiking at Mount Rainer; visited the San Juan Islands and watched orcas swimming in their natural habitat; I was able to camp by the Pacific Ocean; and also take weekend getaways to Portland and other neighboring cities. The awe-inspiring landscapes of the Pacific Northwest never ceased to amaze me.

The internship experience not only allowed me to apply a lot of the business concepts I studied during my first year in the MBA program at Georgetown University, but it also enabled me to experience one of the most amazing states in the USA. Most of all, I now come back refreshed and energized to start the second and final year of my studies here at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

Taking in the view of Diablo Lake in the North Cascades in WA

Hany Salidis is an Egyptian Fulbrighter who is pursuing an MBA student at Georgetown University.

Iraqi Alumna Noha Andrios uses her Fulbright Experience Back Home

Upon concluding her Fulbright program at the University of Wisconsin – Stout where she earned a Master’s degree in Training and Human Resource Development, Iraqi Fulbright grantee Noha Andrios returned to her previous employer charged with ideas on how to improve the workplace and benefit her colleagues and community.

To that effect, and with support from her supervisor who saw the great added value, Noha started the process of establishing a Human Resources department at the Municipality of Duhok, where she works.

“This”, says Noha, “is going to help me greatly to put all the knowledge I got in the two years of Master Degree study in Training & HRD via Fulbright Scholarship to work.”

Noha was invited by the Human Resources Development Directorate in Erbil to present at a seminar attended by officials from various other Directorates of the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG). She was also asked to conduct a 2-hour training session at the Directorate of Tourism about employee evaluation. Both events went very well and Noha received positive feedback from the organizers and attendees. Noha also conducted a seminar about training and human resources development for officials from different directorates in Duhok and is scheduled to speak at a local radio show about the value of training and human resources development in the workplace.

When the Kurdistan Institution for Planning Administration which partners with the KRG’s Ministry of Planning started an effort to create a learning culture in all government offices within the KRG by launching a project called the “2025 Master Plan of Training”, Noha was among the top 20 trainers who were chosen from a group of 500 to launch this project in early 2016.

Whenever she presents at an event, Noha always makes sure to mention that “all the knowledge and the degree I got was only possible through Fulbright Scholarship. Fulbright changed my life and I am very grateful for it. Fulbright was gift from the Lord to me. “

Noha has much to be proud of in terms of what she managed to accomplish in the short time since her return to Iraq in mid-June to fulfill one of the Fulbright program’s important goals of spreading knowledge and giving back to one’s community.

Well done, Noha!

Noha Andrios is a Iraqi Fulbright alumna who completed a Master's in Training and Human Resource Development at University of Wisconsin – Stout. 

The "Diplomacy Begins Here" Regional Summit in New Hampshire

A couple of weeks ago, I attended the Diplomacy Begins Here Global Ties U.S. regional summit in Manchester, New Hampshire. The general theme focused on the important role that the Global Ties U.S., the U.S. Department of State, the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire, and WorldBoston play in helping make the world a better place and engaging globally-minded people from all walks of life to explore the innovation and impact that stem from international relationships.

In the beginning of the program, I had a very brief opportunity to experience how foreign policy is made and what diplomats go through behind closed doors in their mission to reach common ground with their counterparts from other countries. This surprisingly came as the world witnesses what most analysts describe as the worst refugee crisis since WWII. “Protection & Prevention: Minorities, Refugees, and International Resolution” was the title of the simulation which was offered by the U.S. Diplomacy Center for students to play the role of diplomats to find consensus and work towards agreements. The participants were divided into different groups where each person represented a fictional country or NGO. By the end of this experience, there were two things I learned. The first was that becoming a diplomat could sometimes lead to many conflicts between your personal beliefs and those of your professional affiliation, which was extremely difficult to manage to get through (no wonder why I really was terrible as a diplomat!). The second was that successful diplomacy requires, beyond the art of negotiation and the “know your opponent” tactics that every diplomat should possess, talking universally and inclusively (including allies and enemies) while being flexible, highly determined, detail-oriented, and most importantly positive at all times. Overall, it was a very interesting experience and, very importantly, an opportunity to sense the horrendous pain and sufferings of those who become subject to tremendous discrimination and injustice in wars.

The second half of the summit consisted of many inspiring and interesting talks from incredibly amazing people. Among the topics discussed were the power of exchanges in the business world, the role of New England in the international business community, and the effects of citizen diplomacy to share culture and change lives globally. During the lunch break, we also had a guided tour of downtown Manchester to learn more about the history and future of the city, which was an amazing way to meet more people and acquaint myself with this beautiful city.

Finally at the dinner, Kelly Ayotte, U.S. Senator for New Hampshire, gave an exciting speech to celebrate citizen diplomacy and corporate social responsibility while we enjoyed our super delicious entrées. After dinner, Seth Goldman concluded the summit with his own journey as the co-founder and CEO of Honest Tea, a bottled organic tea company which was acquired wholly by Coca-Cola in 2011. Besides his inspiring story as an entrepreneur, what attracted me the most was his commitment to creating a brand of social change and his strong determination to help underprivileged farmers sustain and develop their main source of income. I also had a chance to view a few pages of his book Mission in a Bottle.

I was privileged to attend this summit and meet so many great people from all around the world. I definitely made awesome friends and I look forward to visiting them in New Hampshire sometime soon.

Eyad Alnaqi is a Bahraini Fulbrighter who is pursuing a Master’s in Telecommunications Systems Management at Northeastern University.

The Unforgettable Summer: My Journey during Millennial Trains Project

 

The Millennial Trains Project (MTP) was the most fascinating time I spent in the U.S. before traveling back to my home country, Iraq. I had just finished my Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy at University of Wisconsin Green Bay, and was offered the chance to participate in MTP and travel across America on a vintage train. I joined five other Fulbright Foreign Students and 20 American innovators and entrepreneurs. The trip was a living experience to understand American culture and discover different parts of America. On the train, there were new things to learn each day through mentors who joined us from different states and through Pioneer Journey sessions (a leadership curriculum by City Year). The mentors and Pioneer Journey sessions motivated participants to discuss their projects and goals. This project also reflects the kind and peaceful coexistence that is possible among people from different backgrounds, cultures, and countries–participants gathered on this train to exchange ideas, create change in their community, and build a harmonious society. 

Farm at The Renewable Republic, Texas

My idea to achieve change in a community is through an urban agriculture project which became possible because of my participation in the MTP train project. The project was promising since our first stop took place in Los Angeles, California where I visited the WORKS organization. This organization is interested in offering affordable housing and food for seniors and people with disabilities. In San Antonio, Texas, I interviewed the owner and director of The Renewable Republic where he used an empty plot of land near his house to plant a variety of fruits and vegetables. Renewable Republic also has a mobile juice van working on solar power as a source of clean energy.

Selfie with President of WORKS, Los Angeles

One of my favorite stops was in Louisiana where I visited the New Orleans Center of Creative Arts (NOCCA), which has a culinary art department established by the famous chef Emeril Lagasse. I met the Director of Gardens where they grow produce for the kitchen to teach students cooking, and use the rest at a newly opened café. In New Orleans, I also visited Rouses Supermarkets and interviewed the director of the rooftop hydroponics systems. The supermarket established a tower-shaped system to grow herbs by only using water circulated through a single pump submerged in a tank underneath each tower. The director only adds nutrients to the water and the produce is ready to be harvested and sold in the market. 

With MTP Fellow in Austin, TX

 

MTP participants engaged in fun activities during the journey other than solely doing research. In Austin, Texas we spent the day in the city and visited the capital building. In San Antonio, we visited the downtown area and went to the 3D Tomb Rider Game which was so much fun. MTP trains project is such a unique experience and I am fortunate to have met great people, shared ideas, and have fun. Our adventure ended in Washington, DC where we had discussion panel in the Department of State. 

With Fulbrighters in Washington, DC

In New Orleans, by the Mississippi River

Saja Al-Quzweeni is an Iraqi Fulbright alumna who completed a Master’s in Environmental Science and Policy at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Making My Dreams a Reality!

 It was the moment when I landed at the Los Angeles airport, disembarked from the plane, inhaled a deep breath of fresh air and meditated on the inspiring wide blue horizon, that I realized that my dream was coming true. I was overwhelmed by mixed feelings of immense happiness, anxiety, challenge, and limitless energy and motivation to break all boundaries and limits.

I am so grateful for such an unbelievable opportunity, which will help me in achieving my dreams of changing Egypt and the world into a better place to live. I will do this through learning and applying the top engineering and cutting-edge technologies at the University of California, Los Angeles. I now have the opportunity to pursue my dream of conducting research in renewable energy which will transform Egypt into a greener place to live, improve the standard of living through developing the power infrastructure, and contribute to the establishment of a new green economy in Egypt.

The past nine months have been the most wonderful experience I have had in my life; words are not enough to express how thankful, happy, and proud to be part of such an amazingly rewarding experience I am. Over these past 9 months, I have had the chance to meet amazing people from all around the world from diverse backgrounds and cultures, sharing inspiring stories and experiences, and learning the true meaning of motivation as we work hard to achieve our dreams.

I am lucky to have met wonderful professors from different fields who have taught me a lot both academically and personally as they shared their interests and experiences with worldwide issues in energy, the environment, politics, poverty, health, and peace. These encounters broadened my horizon, intellect, and awareness.

I have had the opportunity to engage with the Fulbright community here and participate in several enriching events, including volunteering to help the homeless, meeting with the staff from the LA times, visiting the LA River, and visiting JPL. These activities have allowed me to meet other great Fulbrighters to discuss the future of the US and our countries, explore how we can work together to solve the complex issues facing the world today to change it into a better and safer place to live in, and spread our feelings of love for one another.

Finally, I have had the chance to travel around the US; visiting the beautiful inspiring grand canyon with its spectacular scenery; passing by San Francisco in the spring; seeing the unbelievable golden gate bridge which I always used to see in movies; and experiencing beautiful sunny Venice Beach with its unique palm trees, singers, skaters, and people.

I am so grateful and proud to have been granted this once-in-a- lifetime opportunity by the generous Fulbright organization and the US government; it is a life-shaping and game-changing opportunity!

 

Ahmed Mohamed is an Egyptian Fulbright pursuing an MS in Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Independence Day in the USA!

Fulbrighter Fatma Aljarrah at University of Wisconsin-River Falls had the opportunity to partake in July 4th celebrations in the USA. Her story and video are posted below!

I am a Fulbrighter pursuing my master’s degree at University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and this was my first experience celebrating America’s Independence Day in Still Water (Minnesota) due to the geographical closeness between River Falls, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. This was an experience to remember. The crowd included people of all ages, babies in strollers, little boys and girls, men and women, both old and young. People from different countries and religions came to show that we belong to one tribe; the tribe of HUMANITY and we all share the desire to live peacefully. What a magnificent scene to join; music and fireworks all over! It was a time where you could see families reunited, and they embraced this precious moment to be grateful for the blessing of independence. I really feel that I am a very lucky girl to witness one of the most glorious days in the lives of the American people. Thank you, Fulbright Program for your support and encouragement to attend such events. God Bless America and its nice people. HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY. May peace prevail all over the world.

Fatma Aljarrah is a Fulbrighter from Gaza who is pursuing a Master of Arts in TESOL.