It’s fun to stay at the YMCA!
We had the wonderful opportunity of taking our KG1 kids to the YMCA! It was a wonderful experience for our kids to see what it means to work as a teacher, a car mechanic, a carpenter, an electrician, a computer scientist, a blacksmith, a multi-skilled mechanic, and so on. They were able to play with switches, use the computers, and learn about all kinds of motors and electrical equipment. They even got to play with some steering wheels! The kids loved the hands-on experience and really enjoyed learning so many new things.
We loooove field trips!!
KG2 students took an educational trip to Taybeh village, during the olive harvest season. The objective of our trip was to show the kids how to harvest and squeeze the olives.
We left the kindergarten at 8:15 in the morning; on our way there I explained to them what we were going to do. As we arrived, we went to see some people harvesting their olives. Some of them were working around the trees, others were climbing the ladders to harvest the upper olives, and some were cutting the damaged branches.
School is in session…..
The kids are back and they are having a great time. With a new year and new uniforms the students of Hope Kindergarten – Jericho couldn’t wait to get started. Nothings says it’s good to be back better than smiles and laughter.
Green Valley gets a facelift…..
Exciting times in Jericho! Green Valley Restaurant has received a new look. Green Valley is owned and operated by one of Jericho’s most respected families. Over the years they have struggled to continue to keep the business alive due to lack of clientele. Since the arrival of Seeds of Hope things have started to look up. When Tass first visited Jericho, he was searching for people who have a heart to reach out to others and are not just business owners but also active in the community.
Parent’s Day is here!!!!
It was an exciting day for SOH- Jacob’s Ladder Preschool as the new students and their parents came to see the great things happening in their school. The kids played on the toys and enjoyed the play areas as their parents familiarized themselves with the new location and the new look.
The coming school year will be an exciting time for Seeds of Hope. The school in Jerusalem and our new team mates at SOH-Jacob’s Ladder Preschool have begun the fulfillment of the vision that Seeds of Hope would bridge the gap in Israel to bring a glimpse of hope for peace through cultural understanding beginning at the early ages of life when little minds are open to a world of possibilities. (more…)
Wheel Chair Distribution
In 2008 Seeds of Hope was honored to present Barziliai Hospital in Ashkelon with wheelchairs. Also, in 2010 Seeds of Hope partnered with a US based non-profit to bring much needed wheelchairs to the disabled people of the Jericho area in the West Bank. Medical attention for the disabled is another challenge in the West Bank and Gaza because of the cultural stigma related to the handicapped. Most disabled individuals in the Palestinian culture are hidden and kept from the public eye because they are viewed as shameful or a burden. Many families who have a disabled member do not have the means to support the cost of providing care for a disabled person and that member can often times be neglected. Seeds of Hope was excited to be able to present the chairs to the recipients at its dedication dinner held to honor the leaders of the community in Jericho. This opportunity was a huge blessing and Seeds of Hope would like to continue to provide this care when the opportunity presents its self in the future. Select “more…” to view pictures of the dedication dinner.
Primary Medical Care
In April 2009 a group of American physicians visited Jericho to conduct a three day primary medical care clinic. The doors were open on a first come first served basis. The turn-out was overwhelming with 500-600 people seen. Medical care for Palestinian refugees can be challenging due to wide spread poverty as well as travel restrictions resulting in no care at all. In 2012 a group of American physicians will visit again to conduct another Clinic. Stay tuned for updates.
Seeds of Hope continues to search for physicians that would be available to visit the Jericho, West Bank area to bring this greatly needed service to the people. If you or someone you know would be interested in being a part of a clinic or would like to discuss setting up a group visit to conduct a clinic, please Contact Us.
Youth and Cultural Learning Center
The population of Jericho, the West Bank and Gaza is estimated at 4 million, of which 65% are under the age of 24 and 43% are under the age of 15. Because jobs are few with a limited financial base for providing families with a steady income, these young people grow up without much hope for their future. They are largely uneducated and unskilled. Seeds of Hope has developed a place for young people to gain skills needed to secure a better future. Through computer skills and language classes, including English, French, and German, as well as classes on democracy, tolerance, and peace the youth and young adults of Jericho and the West Bank will open themselves up to many more opportunities for a better future. The youth center provides a safe, positive place for young people to congregate. Equipped with a billiard and ping pong table, various workout machines, snacks and drinks, the youth are encouraged to use their English skills and are mentored by staff who are equipped to practically model and teach good character qualities before them building relationships for better cultural understanding.
SOH – Jacob’s Ladder Preschool
Throughout history it can be said that Jerusalem is one of the most fought over cities in the world. The cultures that inhabit it are extremely diverse. At the heart of the city though sits two cultures that have been at war for centuries, the sons of Isaac (Jews) and the sons of Ishmael (Arabs). Seeds of Hope has partnered with Jacob’s Ladder to develop a Preschool dedicated to bringing these two cultures together through education. Using the same strategy as Hope Kindergarten, this Preschool teaches basic English to Israeli, Palestinian and International children. (more…)
Little Hearts Daycare – Jericho
Answering the need for quality daycare in Jericho, SoH opened its first daycare for babies and toddlers. We also have an afterschool program for young students of Hope Kindergarten. The children are attended by a loving staff of teachers and mothers who understand that giving the children a nurturing environment is their first job. However, the second job is to teach these young ones developmental skills and English. The teachers and staff understand that the best time in a child’s life to learn another language, is in their developmental years – the earlier the better – before they lose the ability to do so. With this in mind, the success rate is amazing and the parents are delighted.
