Beyond the medicine - giving back to local schools

By Patterson Health Center on July 24, 2024

A framed drawing hangs on the wall beside Dr. Nizar Kibar’s desk. The focus is a child in the midst of eight hearts below a note of appreciation for Kibar’s support of their school.
The drawing represents a cause that holds a special place in Dr. Kibar’s heart - an organization called DonorsChoose. As Harper County schools start the new school year, Dr. Kibar, MD, hopes parents and the community will get behind its hard-working teachers.
“I have a high appreciation for teachers,” Dr. Kibar said.
After all, he grew up in education. His father was a teacher in Lebanon and Dr. Kibar was constantly learning in his home. Even doing simple things like watching movies became a learning experience in his household.
He and his peers were taught to respect all educators.
“Teachers are held in high regard,” he said. “When a teacher walks in the room in Lebanon, you stand up to show respect.”
Prior to going to medical school, Dr. Kibar was also a teacher for a short time. At Patterson Health Center, he is consistently working with medical students to give them the best experience possible.
So in 2017 when Kibar was looking for a program to support, he looked for a way to support one of the professions he values the most. It didn’t take long to pick DonorsChoose.

HOW IT WORKS
DonorsChoose was created by teachers for teachers. In 2000, Bronx public high school teacher Charles Best thought about all of the money that he and his colleagues were spending on supplies, according to donorschoose.org. On average, teachers spend an average of $500 annually out of their pocket for their classroom. So Best founded DonorsChoose for teachers to request classroom resources. Donors can see exactly where their funds go to and if all funds are fulfilled, teachers are sent their supplies along with a list of donor names.
Dr. Kibar chooses about 10 projects to support a year - in all, he’s supported 78 projects. Since moving to Harper County in October 2021, Dr. Kibar makes sure he supports all county projects.
“You have to remember that half of a child’s life is in school,” he said. “That’s how important teachers are.”
He also looks for projects around the country that have books. He knows that books and literacy are essential to lifelong learning.
Giving can also be a beneficial effect to a person’s mental health. It adds a sense of community and belonging and the person who gives can feel gratitude that they’re able to help someone else.
“For me, it’s about helping others,” Dr. Kibar said. “It makes your problems seem less extreme.”

HARPER COUNTY PROJECTS
 
LAUREN WALKER
4th grade teacher at Puls Elementary in Attica
Wants to to promote a more interactive learning environment that will “enhance students’ understanding and retention of the subject matter, making learning a more enjoyable experience.” Mrs. Walker is requesting $778.59, with the majority of the funds going to books and art supplies. This project must be fully funded by Sept. 2.

AMY OLIVER
Special Education teacher at Puls Elementary in Attica
Creating an easily accessible resource room to promote independence. The $971.29 she is requesting will go toward bookshelves, book bins and basic supplies to help organize the resource room. The project must be fully funded by Sept. 1.

Visit donorschoose.org for more projects.