|
May 3, 2009
|
Vol 2, Issue 7
Box 2040 Orange, CA 92859
|
|
|
|
|
Congratulations Graduates!
The future of the
Holy Land
|
|
|
|
|
Dear
Friends of AFEDJ,
|
|
The Arab
Evangelical Episcopal School in Ramallah congratulates its new
graduates! This is the latest class to move into the community with
new problem-solving skills, an education built on tolerance and respect
for others and the keen knowledge that their values matter. The
Rt. Rev. Suheil Dawani wrote recently, "We must educate future
generations of peacemakers, investing in our Christian youth by
enabling them to attend our primary and secondary schools where they
will be...empowered with skills vital to productive members of
society."
The class of 2009 is part of the 720 students now at AEES. It was a
busy year. The school was chosen to participate in the Model
School Network which trains teachers in modern methods for teaching
science, math, and English. Continuously improving academic
standards is a top priority.
Students are able to participate in band, choir, soccer, Arts Club,
French Club, student government and a range of volunteer
opportunities. Each contributes to a well rounded, flexible,
purposeful educational and psychosocial experience.
The 11th graders will represent Palestine in a Student Company
competition in Lebanon later this month. Organized by Save the
Children and Junior Achievement, it aims to increase economic
understanding and provide practical mentoring from local private sector
businesses.
The pressing economic issue for the school however, is the large number
of students who cannot take advantage of these programs because their
families cannot afford the school fees. Please help us help them
by finding out about scholarship opportunities or going to our website www.afedj.org and clicking the Donate Now button. These
students need your help now. They are the future.
|
|
News from our school in Irbid Jordan
|
|
Sight impaired children have few options in the Middle
East. The Arab Episcopal School in Irbid has pioneered efforts to
mainstream sight impaired children and integrate them and their
families into the community. They learn and play with sighted
children each day.
Last month, they were honored as the winners of the Disability Motor
Initiative award -- over 100 other competitors in Jordan.
Congratulations to Sabah Zurikat and the entire staff!
The Arab Episcopal School's application told how they view the
handicapped in modern times and how they will implement future change.
The students here receive excellent, visionary education with
inclusiveness and tolerance built right in. 130 students benefit
from academic and vocational training.
They need your help to continue to offer this kind of
caring support. $1300 provides for one sight-impaired child for a
year.
|
|
|
|
 Art Class at the
Arab Evangelical Episcopal School in Ramallah
|
|
7th Grade
field trip last month
SUPPORT A
SCHOLARSHIP TODAY
|
|
Gaza
Update
|
|
As the
crisis in Gaza recedes from the front pages, we can't let them leave
our hearts and prayers. Suhaila Tarazi, Director of the Ahli
Hospital in Gaza, tells of shortages of critical drugs including
virtually none for diabetics and heart patients. As the blockade
continues, about 80% of the population is now dependent on food
assistance. This puts added strain on the hospital to provide for
patients and their families. Any kind of meat, cleaning supplies
and cooking gas are in very short supply.
Prices for available goods have dramatically increased especially for
rice, milk powder and frozen food. Construction materials
are not available. Period. What can we do to help?
Provide the hospital with the resources to buy what is available and be
ready to respond when shipments arrive. Don't forget these
long-suffering people. You can help them today!
|
|
|
|
St. Anselm's follows Tears with Action
|
|
On March 18, St. Anselm's in Garden Grove CA held a
moving memorial service for the dead in Gaza. The congregation, in
concert with their Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters, are creating
a permanent symbol of their concern and love. The Rev.
Wilfredo Benitiz, rector of St. Anselm's writes: "Olive trees are
living symbols that connect the sons and daughters of Palestine/Israel
to the the land we call Holy. I've been in dialogue about
planting three Olive Trees here at St. Anselm's to serve as iving
symbols for a just peace. An area will be designated as a 'peace
garden.' The three trees represent the three Abrahamic faiths:
Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The goal is to continue to
spread 'Three Olive Trees for Peace' in mosques, churches and temples
all across the US and beyond."
This is a stirring and do-able idea. Contact
Wilfredo for more information: tears4gaza@aol.com
|
|
Article Headline
|
|
The AFEDJ is a nonprofit, non-political 501c3 which
helps sustain the institutions of the Episcopal Diocese of
Jerusalem. These include 13 schools, 3 hospitals, 5 institutes
for the disabled and 4 affiliates spread over Israel, Palestine,
Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. All provide for those in need
regardless of religious background. All foster mutual respect and
tolerance in a land torn by turmoil and poverty. Learn more about
the work of the AFEDJ or the Diocese of Jerusalem. Visit www.afedj.org to contribute
to any of the important work done in the region. Or visit www.j-diocese.org for a
direct link to the Diocese of Jerusalem.
|
|
|
|
