Thank you for inviting me into the world of Project HOPE! During this short time, I have met the most amazing educators from the other side of the world and formed friendships that will surely last a lifetime.

During the time that Nadia and Wafa were in Mobile, I don’t think there were too many times when one, if not all of us, were talking about Talents and education! Nadia and Wafa were so well-versed in the Talents Unlimited model when they arrived (Thank you, Jen and Jane!) and were prepared to proceed to the next level of becoming a Certified Trainer.

Our first two days were spent revisiting the initial training workshop through the eyes of a presenter to adult learners. They were both so receptive to the idea that adult learners need a different type of training than what is done in the classroom. Together, we developed some new, innovative ideas for the initial training workshop, with Nadia and Wafa sharing some of their experiences. Translation from English to Arabic was a concern, but they were determined to make it happen. On day three, they made presentations on a selected Talent. Both ladies were exceptional with the activities, engagement, explanation, and closure to their presentation. The last day was spent with them sharing samples with the two other participants and beginning to create their portfolio and customize their workshop.

On the first day of the training, Nadia was explaining how she used Talents to teach a math concept. It was such an innovative way that led to student discovery, and I felt that our students here in the United States would love to see such a wonderful lesson. I made arrangements for her to conduct the lesson at a local school and our media department was there to capture the lesson on video to be used in future training sessions. The lesson was a total success and the students were amazed at their discovery.

We toured three International Demonstration Sites, which excited Nadia and Wafa even more since they could see the Talents Unlimited model in action. We returned back to central office, where we spent most of the day planning their workshop and making the transition from English to Arabic as smooth as possible.

I was so impressed with these ladies! There was not a moment when there was a language barrier, which made the training seamless. When I told them that they were the only trainers for Talents Unlimited in the Middle East, I saw them light up at the prospects of training the teachers at their own schools, as well as other schools in Talents Unlimited. I can say without hesitation that Nadia and Wafa truly promote, protect, and will sustain our Talents model for the benefit of children worldwide.

Kelly (left), Wafa (back right) Nadia (front right)

Thank you so much for the opportunity to work with Nadia and Wafa. I hope to see them again in their homeland and visit their schools.

Sincerely,

Kelly Lomax

Talents Unlimited International Project Director