In 2006, Seeds of Hope began Hope Kindergarten in the Gaza Strip in a small village southeast of Gaza City called Khu ‘zah. The vision was to teach 3 and 4 year olds English, in a loving nurturing environment. In a few short months the kindergarten was operating at capacity (100 students) and had a waiting list of a few hundred children. Seeking ways to offer English to youth and adults, as well as teaching on democracy and peace, Seeds of Hope, along with 20 other enlisted NGOs, began classes in their Seeds of Hope Cultural Center near Khu ‘zah. Within a year, 4,020 young people graduated the program on democracy and peace, while hundreds were enrolled in English language and computer skills classes. However, in July 2008, the entire operation was invaded by Hamas and they have made it difficult for us to continue operating in the Gaza Strip. Although we are down, we are not out. We are still active in helping the people through supporting them financially to establish new small businesses so they can provide for their families in this politically and economically stressed time. Seeds of Hope has provided micro loans for small felafel stands, carpentry shops and cell phone shops, etc. These are only a few ways we continue to bring hope to the people of the Gaza Strip.