جامعة النجاح الوطنية
An-Najah National University

You are here


On Monday, August 13, 2018, and under the patronage of His Excellency the Prime Minister Professor Rami Hamdallah, the Faculty of Educational Science and Teacher Training at An-Najah National University in cooperation with ENGAGE-The Power of Ideas held the "Towards a Comprehensive Social and Emotional Development" Conference, Labeeb's Friends Programme* Model.


The event took place at the Zafer Al-Masri Auditorium in the Old Campus and was attended by Prof. Allam Mousa, Minister of Telecommunication and IT representing the Prime Minister, Prof. Maher Natsheh, Acting President of An-Najah, Mr. Anas Al-Osta, Vice President of ENGAGE Board of Directors, Dr. Shahinaz Al-Far, Director General of Training and Supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education, Ms. Caroline Eager, Director of Partnership for Children Project and Dr. Saida Affouneh, Dean of the Faculty of Educational Science and Teacher Training as well as a large number of the University academic and administrative staff.

In the opening speech, Prof. Natsheh welcomed the attendees and talked about the importance of focusing on emotional aspects in kindergartens and the dangers of ignoring them.

He mentioned that the University tried to avoid these dangers through establishing An-Najah Child Institute, an institute which follows the modern educational methods in dealing with all categories of normal, gifted and special needs children based on scientific and global criteria.

He also talked about the Institute's units which include An-Najah Montessori Kindergarten Unit, the Clinics Unit and the Rehabilitation Classes for children and teachers.

Mr. Al-Osta mentioned that ENGAGE initiative will contribute to the improvement of the Palestinian educational system outcomes to suit the twenty first century developments.  

In a recorded speech, Dr. Imad Nabih, President of the International Parliament for Scientists of Human Development (IPSHD) thanked An-Najah and the partners for hosting the event and discussed the international human interest in childhood issues.

Prof. Mousa conveyed Prof. Hamdallah greetings and said: "The programme is the first of its type in Palestine which benefited more than one million children in 33 countries around the world. Palestine is the 34 country to join the programme resulting in signing an MOU with the Ministry of Higher Education on teacher training".

The conference also included presentations given by Ms. Eager, Dr. Al-Far, Dr. Jawdat Sisan, Dr. Suheil Saleh and Dr. Affouneh on Labeeb's programme, early childhood programmes and methods, education and innovation experiences, critical study of Labeeb's programme and multiple intelligences respectively.

 

At the end of the conference, a session was held to discuss social and emotional intelligence reinforcement mechanisms by institutions as the UNICEF presented about its role and programmes regarding the topic.

The conference resulted in a number of recommendations, most important of which is the necessity of offering comprehensive care development for children in all life aspects.

Notes:

* Labeeb's Friends is an evidence-based programme for schools, which develops social emotional skills for children 5-7 years old. It usually runs for 24 weeks, with one 45-minute session each week.

The programme is built around a set of six stories. Labeeb is a stick insect and his friends are a group of young children, and the stories show them confronting issues that are familiar to young children - friendship, communication, feeling lonely, bullying, dealing with change and loss and making a new start. Each story is illustrated by brightly colored pictures.

Labeeb's Friends differs from many programs for young children:

  • Firstly, it has been designed to help all children, not just those who have difficulties or who are considered to be at risk. It promotes the mental health and emotional wellbeing of all.
  • Secondly, it does not teach children that 'this is right' and 'that is wrong'. Teachers do not tell children how to cope in a particular situation. Instead, they encourage them to generate their own solutions and strategies, and to discuss how helpful they might be.

Children learn to apply two simple rules:
• a solution must help me to feel better
• it must not hurt me or anyone else

  • Thirdly, the programme is not competitive. Children are not marked on how they perform. No child comes top or bottom of the class. Instead, children are encouraged to work together, helping each other.

© 2025 An-Najah National University