Ya Salaam facilitator's guide
Situated at the intersection of design, education, and Arab migration, this project explores fostering opportunities for Arab immigrant mothers (AIMs) to more fully participate in and support their children’s public school education.
My qualitative and quantitative research indicates that AIMs are often othered and less engaged than they hope to be (or other parents are) due to a range of factors. Whether these are cultural misunderstandings, language barriers, stereotyping, or other barriers, the result reflects negatively on their child’s learning experiences and their own ability to support their children’s education.
In order to address this problem, I listened to schoolteachers and Arab immigrant mothers as they spoke about their experiences and aspirations. Being an Arab immigrant mother myself, my research is further reinforced by my position within the community. Given this, I was eager to look closely into methods and solutions to bring mothers and teachers together.
Ya Salaam creates a sense of familiarity between public school teachers and Arab immigrant mothers, opening the door to many opportunities for parents to engage more fully in their children’s education and provide the needed support.
Project Name
I observed that whenever I presented the initiative concept to an Arab immigrant mother, her initial response was consistently "Ya Salaam," an Arabic expression conveying "Great." Subsequently, I chose to officially name the initiative "Ya Salaam." This decision was influenced by the recognition that involving my audience in the process not only contributed to the planning of the session but also made them an integral part of naming the initiative. This deliberate choice establishes an immediate and positive connection with Arabic culture, fostering a sense of ownership and resonance among those involved.
Branding
The guide features illustrations and designs inspired by the Arab immigrant mothers and public-school teachers with whom I engaged in conversations. These characters were intentionally crafted to imbue the guide with a friendly tone, ensuring a relatable experience for the guide users.
Project kit
In addition to the facilitator's guide, I designed outreach material and a website.