News Letter - Summer 2001

SUMMER 2001

Dear Friends,
Perhaps the last three months have been the most difficult, and quite out of the ordinary. Unexpected and tragic events have taken place. The months of April and May were full of disturbances with the increasing shelling and shooting on Beit jala. That in itself limited our chances for any out-of-door activities. Our annual school excursion and to be cancelled also, because of the ongoing problems. This unpleasant situation was a source of anxiety for us all. and for our children in particular. Whenever shooting and shelling started, some began to cry, while others shouted and trembled with fear. As we hurried them quickly to the safest room on the ground floor. We tried our best to distract them from the surrounding noises by singing, telling stories, and playing games. Despite the fact that many houses in Beit Jala have been damaged my own included, yet praise the Lord the school was well protected.

Lara's Sudden Departure
Lara, who for the last 15 and a half years, has been an integral part of the lives of the children and staff of Al-Shurooq, died quite unexpectedly on June the 6th. During the last seven months her health deteriorated, and the day prior to her death, her Doctor came to see her, and reassured me of her stable condition; In less than twenty-four hours, the child died of adult respiratory failure, within approximately ten minutes. The doctor was unable to help her, and the ambulance was late in arriving. The incident was a terrible shock to all of us. Lara was brought to Al-Shurooq when she was only eighteen months old. Having no family whatsoever, the school was her only home. Despite the severe brain damage she suffered from, she was extremely affectionate and loving, and brought a great deal of joy to all of us. We miss her immen-sely. Our only consolation is, that through the Generosity of her sponsors and friends we were able to give her an exceedingly happy life, surrounded by a great deal of love and much care. We can rightly say, that she lived happily and died happily, and now she is with theLord enjoying the delights of heaven. I here extend my warm and sincere gratitude to all the friends who have given so generously towards Lara's expenses, particularly. St. Andrew's Church Jerusalem, they have kindly covered all her funeral expenses

Lara on her favorite keyboard

Outreach
Unfortunately, because of the still existing conditions of closures and restrictions in travel, visits to the children's homes and schools have been extremely limited. Our only means of contact has been through the telephone. Also due to the same reasons, we are unable to have our usual Summer school camp, instead, we have been obliged to fit in the Blind Women's intensive Course because of delays in starting the programme, and we would not have been able to carry out our social activities as having the long walks and excursions. They are an essential part of our Summer school camp. Nevertheless, we still hope to be able to intensify our home visits to each of our children, and recruiting new ones.

New Washing machine And Refrigerator
Through the kind generosity of a good friend, we were able to purchase a new washing machine and a Refrigerator. They were both badly needed. Both items were quite ancient, and hardly functional. I am quite sure that you will agree with me that both of these items are indispensable. We no longer need to worry lest one of them should cease to function perma-nently. Therefore we are extremely grateful to the donor.

The new Refrigerator

The new Washing Machine

End of School Term
June the 20th was the last day of our school term, and the children left for their homes the following day. Through the kindness of the Red Cross, we were lucky to be able to send the two children home to Gaza three days earl-ier.The large majority of our children recei-ved prizes, and they were all bubbling with joy and excite-ment as the dep-arted. School will recomm-ence on August the 25th.

Blind Women's Committee
For the last 6 months, our unique project "Blind Women as Agents of Change" has been running very smoothly. It has made quite a difference in the lives of several women who have expressed their gratitude and delight, and have found the course most interesting and beneficial. They are making excellent progress in their typing and computer skills, which they are thoroughly enjoying.

Some of the children with their certificates and prizes

The Highlight of the Project
Indeed, the 29th of June, date of the Seminar, was the highlight of the project. Mrs. Kicki Nordstrom, president of the World Blind Union, was our main speaker; She came from Sweden specially for this occasion. We had two other guest speakers on Legal rights and stereotyping, in addition to a few students from Bethlehem University who participated in the discussions. The seminar was held at "Taleeta Qoomi" college in Beit Jala, and we had approximately eighty attendants.

The day was well organized, the lectures were of high quality, and the discussions were filled with enthusiasm. It was a wonderful day, Thoroughly enjoyed and greatly appreciated by all. This was followed immediately, by a three week intensive course, still part of the project.

Brialle Book Production and Library
Once again, work in this section was slightly hampered by failures in the computers resulting from electricity problems. Following is the outcome of our work For the last three months.

Thirty-five new titles have been added to our collection, ninety-eight copies made, And two hundred books have been given out on loan. It is almost two years since we moved to these new premises. Our main problem with it is, That it is far too expensive. To find the fabulous amount of thirty thousand US Dollars per annum is quite a struggle. Moreover, I strongly feel that it is just like pouring money down the drain. Our future strategy is to try to find a suitable building whose owners are willing to sell in installments. The next step will be to try to establish a fund between a hundred and a hundred fifty US dollars, for a down payment, and then gradually pay the rest of the cost. In this case at least we know that the money is invested, instead of its being wasted. Please pray with us that we may be guided by the will of our Lord.

Have a pleasant holiday, thank you for your continued support, and God Bless.