Children Cancer Patients Pass Official School Exams Despite Illness

CCCL students patients celebrate passing official exams

They have cancer, but their motivation to succeed remains robust. More than twenty children aged 14 to 18 who are being treated at the Children's Cancer Center at AUB passed their official school exams at the beginning of July this year. All, except for one whose health was seriously compromised, passed with flying colors, and a celebration party was held for them on August 16.

"We are so proud of you," said Dr. Miguel Abboud, the medical director of the Children's Cancer Center. "I congratulate you one by one, because I know how tough your year has been," said Abboud. "We sometimes forget that you are sick, which makes your success even more impressive."

Students being treated at the cancer center can sit for exams at the center, thanks to a program started three years ago in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. Instead of going to one of the public schools where exams are usually held, students take their exams in the more sterile environment at the Children's Cancer Center, where healthcare professionals are able to address their health needs at any time. But they are treated like any other student, with the exams supervised by ministry-appointed proctors and inspectors.

Hassan Daouk, a veteran science teacher who acts as coordinator of volunteer teachers at the center, said the experience is gratifying. "When students are busy focusing on a goal that is as absorbing as passing an official exam, it takes their minds off their illness, which keeps them in better spirits." Daouk added that preparing the students for official exams proved to be a learning experience for him as well: "I had to tap into my creativity to come up with a curriculum that would keep them motivated," he said, explaining that their energy levels often prevented them from concentrating as long as healthy students would. "It always amazed me how some students would refuse to take their treatment for fear of losing their energy and thus not being able to prepare for their exams."