Bronze level participants from Amman Baccalaureate School, Jordan, comment on the Award - April 2009.

[Boyd Roberts]

IGC Award participants completing their bronze level award at Amman Baccalaureate School make the follwoing comments about the Award, April 2009.

"The award has reinforced my awareness towards my community through the projects and activities which I have taken part in, and participating in the award's programme has reflected on me positively; as in the Habitat for Humanity we have built houses for the poor or repaired them, this has opened my eyes to my surroundings and the importance of aiding other people by using the ability that I have been given to help those that are less fortunate. Being introduced to other cultures and communities changed my views and my priorities, and has reflected on me positively; after organizing and initiating events and acting as an initiative member of all school charity initiatives, I feel I have been able to inspire many to do the same and choose the path of discomfort and knowledge over the path of ease. The award experience has tremendously added to my character and development in communicating with people, and debating in international conferences"

Tamara Khouri Grade 12 Amman Baccalaureate School



There are several aspects of this award that I feel need to be emphasized so that the extent of its influence on our lives can be appreciated. First and foremost, the “Service” was probably one of the most profound experiences I’ve ever been through. >From building classes from dust (literally) in Tanzania, to painting and decorating schools in East Amman, to making teaching aids for children in government schools, I cannot begin to explain the effect that these activities have had on me. I am now a person able to relate to people from all walks of life, sharing knowledge and experience with anyone and everyone. Language no longer forms any barrier to my communication. From this aspect of the award, I was able to learn what it feels like to give back to society. I was able to appreciate the immense feeling of pleasure one gets when making a difference in someone else’s life. I was able to understand how one small gesture, however deemed insignificant, can put a smile on the face of a child who has long forgotten what it feels like to have something to smile about.

Hala Siraj Grade 12 Amman Baccalaureate School



I am now able to work as part of a team, which has helped me become more understanding, mature, and capable of making decisions that do not conflict with the interests of other people. The team spirit I have come to acquire has enabled me to find an extended family in my teammates, and love them as much as I would love my real family. It has also taught me to see the general interest of my team and place it before my own personal interest.

Laila Halabi Grade 12 Amman Baccalaureate School




The activities that we took part in did a lot to strengthen our endurance, family spirit, and character. We are now able to stand in the face of any challenge we are put against. We know what it feels like to save our water throughout the entire journey, cherishing every drop, and then open our bags in the middle of the trip to find that the contents of the bottle have long since evaporated. We now know what it feels like to be parched, starving, and keep on going knowing that the only source of food water we have will only be available when we arrive. And finally, we know what it feels like to share the last remaining drop of water, or morsel of food, just so that my friends would not remain hungry while I calm my own hunger.

Hikmat Mihyar Grade 12 Amman Baccalaureate School