Reem’s Classroom in the Wild: A 12‑Year‑Old Teacher Lights Up Atmidah
Atmidah, a quiet corner of north‑Dakahlia, turns into a buzzing learning playground every morning. Up to 30 kids shuffle into a cramped street for lessons, all led by the village’s newest educator: 12‑year‑old Reem El‑Khouly.
From Playtime to Power‑Up
When the COVID‑19 lockdown rolled over Egypt, schools shut their doors, leaving the kids with nothing but dusty sidewalks and endless yawning. Reem saw an opportunity—why let them trudge through the day in silence when she could transform the street into a classroom?
“I thought maybe instead of playing, we could learn,” Reem told us. “I wake up, I pray, then I call them in for our lessons. We cover Arabic, maths, religion, and English.”
Teaching Tool Evolution
It all started with a simple notebook. As the weeks passed, a local shop donated a blackboard and chalk. Trade‑off time? She’s now rocking a whiteboard and marker pens—her little pupils can trust she’s got the right equipment.
Student Praise
- “Reem taught us to keep the school knowledge alive during the closure,” says Mohamed Abdel Moneim, a nine‑year‑old. “I love Miss Reem because her lessons make Arabic, maths and English feel like real treasures.”
Future Ambitions
Reem dreams of becoming a maths teacher herself. Initially, her mum was hesitant: “I used to worry about the loudness of Reem’s voice,” she confesses. “But when I watched her students thrive, I realized Reem could stay in education as long as she wanted.”
Check the latest updates on coronavirus and stay tuned for more heart‑warming stories. Egypt Education Teachers Children and Youth.
