On Monday, September 28^th An Najah welcomed the American Fulbright specialist Dr Debra Young and research assistant and volunteer Ms Irina Karic as they launched their six week intensive collaboration with An Najah’s Faculty of Educational Sciences and the Child’s Institute.

Dr Young and Ms Karic met with An Najah faculty and staff from both departments including the Dean of Educational Sciences Dr Alia Assali and the Directors of the Child’s Institute Dr Sabrina Russo and Dr Zaher Nazzal.

During Dr Young and Ms Karic’s six week collaboration, they will complete an intensive training at the Child’s Institute on inclusion and the Montessori Method including an overview of theoretical, practical, and implementation training with the staff of the institute and psychology students. Dr Young and Ms Karic will also lead three forums on inclusion, vulnerable populations, and gender which will include local education consultants, An Najah students and staff, and members of the Ministry of Education.  Dr Young will give a guest presentation for a conference on education organized by the Faculty of Education on teaching licensing. 

Dr Young and Ms Karic will also explore possible topics of joint research with An Najah professors and explore ways in which this partnership can continue after the Fulbright program.

Notes:

-         Dr Debra Young holds a PHD in Philosophy: Educational Leadership and Innovation from the University of Colorado and specializes in early childhood education and community development.  Dr Young also has extensive background in curriculum development, the Montessori Method and teacher licensing.

-         Ms Irina Karic holds a Master’s Degree in International Human Rights from the University of Denver and has worked on research at numerous organizations including Americas Association for the Care of Children, HAARG, and International Center for Transitional Justice.