News

Under the patronage of HRH Princess Ghida Talal, Chairperson of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF) and Center (KHCC), KHCF/KHCC celebrated the graduation of 155 children currently receiving treatment at the Center, who were able—thanks to KHCF’s Back to School Program—to complete the 2013/2014 academic year without interruption.

The graduation ceremony was held today at Mashrek International School, in the presence of H.E. Mr. Mohammad Al-Akour, Secretary General of the Ministry of Education, representatives from HSBC Bank Middle East which is the exclusive sponsor of the Back to School Program for the second consecutive year, and a number of volunteers and program supporters.

The Back to School Program aims to enable children undergoing cancer treatment to continue their education through the assignment of two full-time teachers from the Ministry of Education to teach the children at the Center. The Program helps restore the children's self-confidence and sense of normalcy, easing their suffering and that of their families by ensuring uninterrupted learning. This year, the program achieved several milestones, including offering intensive English and Math lessons, organizing extracurricular activities such as music, arranging educational and recreational field trips, and referring ten students to special education centers.

Princess Ghida distributed certificates and gifts to the graduates, thanking HSBC Bank Middle East for their sponsorship, as well as all program supporters and the volunteers who dedicate their time to teaching children with cancer. She added: "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduates of the Back to School Program on this remarkable achievement. Academic success demands great effort and perseverance, much more so when a student is battling cancer and enduring physical pain and hardship. Our patients have proven that cancer is not a barrier to education or to life itself. Whoever overcomes cancer has already made it far in the school of life—and no obstacle can stand in their way."

During the ceremony, a moving story was shared by student Shurooq Al Shams, who spoke about her journey with cancer and the Back to School Program. She said: "I was able to pass my Tawjihi exams despite the serious health challenges I faced. I succeeded and went on to study dentistry at the University of Jordan, thanks first to God, and then to the Back to School Program, which gave me and my fellow students the opportunity to continue our education and pursue our dreams."