Marhaban!
It’s been almost two months since I arrived in Amman. However, to me it feels more like I’ve only been here for two weeks. This is probably because there is still so much for me to discover and learn. Moreover, I’m increasingly realising just how much this place is changing me personally. Many things that previously seemed self-evident to me have taken on a new meaning here. Patience, flexibility, and a sense of humour have become indispensable in everyday life, especially when plans change at the last minute or misunderstandings arise. At the same time, I’ve experienced a great deal of openness and warmth, which has made settling in much easier. I’m particularly impressed by the joie de vivre and solidarity that the children demonstrate, despite some of their difficult backgrounds. This attitude is infectious and reminds me daily of the value of interpersonal relationships and shared experiences.
Even my arrival was full of new experiences. Abu Hussam picked me up and, after what we might call a very turbulent journey, took me to the Theodor Schneller School. There, I was warmly welcomed by Ostadh Sahmir and met Rania, my fellow volunteer. Shortly afterwards, I enjoyed my first Jordanian meal: mando. This traditional Jordanian rice dish is usually served with chicken or lamb. It is cooked in special pits or clay pots, which makes the meat particularly tender and gives it a distinctive, aromatic flavour.
After having a nap, I met the boys from Family 3 in the afternoon. After sharing a meal and chatting on the sofa, we headed straight out to play football. Although things sometimes got a bit louder or more physical on the pitch, I never saw emotions spill over beyond the playing field. Generally, the boys get on very well. Of course, conflicts arise too, which is completely normal when you live together day and night, but they are usually resolved quickly amongst themselves.
Community is clearly the main focus here. The children don’t have single rooms, but sleep together in a dormitory. The flat itself is also designed to ensure that everyone is together, with its large rooms. Consequently, the children learn from an early age to be considerate of one another, to support each other, and to take responsibility for one another. Simply shutting oneself off is not an option, and this strengthens their sense of togetherness.
What makes the Theodor Schneller School special is that it provides a very good education, primarily for children from poorer families, and after they complete Year 10, it even offers them apprenticeships with the prospect of permanent employment.
Now, I would like to show you what my daily life at the Schneller School is like. In the mornings, I go to language school in Al Abdali, a lovely district in the centre of Amman. I go five times a week to learn Arabic. Above all, learning to read and write in Arabic has helped me to understand the difficulties the children face when we do German or English homework together.
In the afternoons and evenings, I spend time with the children. We play football, I help with their German and English homework, and we eat together. Although the language barrier can sometimes be challenging, it hasn’t prevented us from finding ways to communicate and enjoy each other’s company. It’s lovely that learning isn’t just a one-way street. When I sit down in the evenings to do my Arabic homework for language school, it doesn’t take long before the children join me. They correct my mistakes, teach me new words and laugh with me at my mispronunciations.
Another real highlight was the Arab Cup, where I cheered on the Jordanian team with the children and shared in the excitement of every match. The highlight of the tournament was, of course, the final, in which Jordan played Morocco. People had been creating a buzz in the streets for days beforehand. Ultimately, Jordan lost narrowly (3–2), but the Jordanian fans didn’t let that show; there was exuberant dancing and celebrating everywhere.
In my next blog, I’d like to look beyond everyday life at school and tell you about my first trips around Jordan and the people I met along the way.
Ma’a salama, and see you in the next blog!
This text was automatically translated using an AI-powered translation system.
