WINTER 2011
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Dear Friends,

We have only a few days left, before we bid our last farewells to the year 2010. In many ways, it has been quite a difficult year, with many environmental catastrophes. Earthquakes in southern and central America, floods in Asia, unusual weather in Europe and the Middle East, and even sandstorms in Palestine. Let alone the political turmoil that appears to be prevalent in many parts of the world. The fighting and killing that goes on leading to the loss of many lives. Most of these tragedies that have fallen upon us are man made. Through our selfishness, greed, and carelessness, we are ruining the earth. There are still those who insist on taking land that does not belong to them, causing misery, poverty, suffering and despair to a whole nation. It has been quite a disappointing year politically, for all Palestinians; particularly those living on the land, our prospect of a just and peaceful solution has vanished completely. We are all living in doubt as to what the future might bring to the young generation in particular, and there does not seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel… Yet on the other hand, our trust is in the Lord, who has never failed us. He has blessed us abundantly, and has supplied our needs through the love and support of our many caring friends.

 

Al-Shurooq's Christmas Party

Al-Shurooq held its annual Christmas party for the staff and children on December 21st. We had a delicious Christmas lunch followed by a visit from Santa. We were very pleased to have with us this year, a very old and devoted friend of Al-Shurooq's, Mrs. Carole Knight. Carole had flown in from Cyprus to spend a few days with friends and loved ones in the festive season. Carole, together with hard working friends at her Church in Cyprus went into the trouble of making 17 colourful quilts for the children at Al-Shurooq. Each child has his name embroided in Arabic, so that our children can feel their names.

The quilts were designed in such a manner that they had multiple rims and different textures to stimulate touch and fingure tip sensitivity. Carole went through the trouble of carrying all 17 quilts (vaccum packed) with her from Cyprus straight to Beit Jala.

The children were so pleased with their quilts, now we have no trouble at all sending them to bed every night!!!

Thank you Carole and all your friends for making the quilts possible.

 

Christmas

For our children, this festive season is the happiest time of the year. For them, it is a source of pleasure and great delight. Once again the YMCA-Jerusalem Christmas party was their highlight starting with the bus ride to Jerusalem and ending with coming back to their beds and exploring the gifts received. This year the party was exceptionally good, for it included the telling of the Christmas story, related by one of the organizers. It could be that many children attending may have known little about it.

We also took our children to two other celebrations that have been organized by two local societies in Beit Jala. They thoroughly enjoyed participating with other children.

Our children singing at the
YMCA Christmas party

The School Building

We are gradually discovering that maintaining the building is costing much more than ever anticipated. For two whole weeks, the children and staff in the dormitories were without heating in the evenings, they had to endure the awfully cold nights because of some fault in the central heating system. Apparently, one of the pumps had been completely burnt, and had to be replaced. This cost us the fabulous amount of two thousand seven hundred and fifty shekels.

 

Day of the Disabled

On December the16th, the Ministry of Social Affairs celebrated the Day of the Disabled under the auspices of the Minister of Social Affairs. Only ten of our children attended as they fell with in the required age range. The party was well organized, and each of the children was given a small gift.

 

Mainstream

sOur children in mainstream education are doing well, Shahd in particular. The Ministry of Education's office in Hebron is so pleased with her achievements that they decided to do a short report about her. She is an extremely talented child, but I am only sorry that her father is not very cooperative, and has imposed too many restrictions on her, which ultimately became a hindrance to developing her talents.

 

Braille Book Production

In this section of the work, and as mentioned in the previous newsletter, most of the textbooks of the higher classes have been altered by the Palestinian Ministry of Education. Therefore so far, 15 books have been rewritten, 35 new titles have been added to our collection, and 1200 volumes have been given out on loan.

Thank you friends for your love, interest and support. May the year 2011 bring you peace, joy, good health and prosperity.

The staff and children of Al-Shurooq School.

 

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