Meet Bilal (5 years old, alias name), is one of the happiest faces participating in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program under the “Back to the Future” project. His older brother was studying in the first phase of the project and afterwards successfully joined a public school. This encouraged his mother to register also Bilal.

Bilal has difficulties with pronunciation. During the outreach activities, these difficulties were screened by the inclusion officer, and Bilal was referred to a speech and language therapist.

After an assessment, they confirmed Bilal’s need to be followed up in speech and language therapy at a rate of twice per week. During the sessions, the therapist works on vocabulary, pronunciation, visual memory, clearance in expressions, the ability of the child to formulate clear sentences, and also implements exercises for the tongue.

Bilal is showing a great progress. His self-esteem is improving, and he now stutters less compared to before. “His progress was very fast” mentioned the therapist, “He also now has a better sequence of ideas in storytelling”.

The sessions are given to the children in a private setting. Bilal’s mother accompanies him to the sessions via private transportation service, which is also covered by the project. Furthermore, she is provided with exercises to make with Bilal at home.

Under the “Back to the Future” project, around 350 children with learning difficulties have been referred to specialized services.

About Back to the Future

Back to the Future is funded by the European Union, through the EU Regional Trust Fund in response to the Syrian crisis, the EU Madad Fund, and implemented in partnership with AVSI, Terre des Hommes Italy in Lebanon, and War Child Holland in Lebanon.