Mar Ephrem Christian School

The Syrian Orthodox Community is one of the oldest Christian communities in the Holy Land; members live in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The community is very poor, with 80% unemployment in 2000 when a Diocesan group went on a pilgrimage and met the Syrian Orthodox Christians in Bethlehem. Since then the political situation has made life more difficult. Surrounded by a 25ft wall people cannot get to work in Jerusalem without a permit from Israel, farmers have had land confiscated and tourism on which they rely is almost nonresistant. The unemployment figure has risen to over 90%, businesses have closed, and the people are isolated and extremely poor.

In 2000 many parents could not afford to send their children to school, some going on an ad-hoc basis when they has sufficient funds, but the had a dream that one day they would have a school with affordable education. A school would give them hope for the future and the opportunity to maintain the Aramaic language.

The Community of the Cross of Nails undertook to make that dream come true and the group who visited Bethlehem is 2000, moved by the plight of the Christians they met, formed a Support Group to promote the project and raise funds.

The Barnabas Fund made a substantial contribution and some of the Cross of Nails centres gave generous donations. An old building and land was bought in Beit Jala in the Bethlehem District and work began later in 2000. During the Intafada with tanks and running battles in the streets the major issue was survival and work on the school frequently came to a standstill. the architect and lawyer were both killed.

The Support Group was visiting churches , schools and organisations in the coventry diocese to raise awareness of the project as well as holding fund-raising events and over the past five years has raised £80,000.

The first phase of the Mar Ephrem Christian School was completed and opened in September 2003. There are now 50 Kindergarten children, secure and happy in a delightful building. It is a beacon of hope and the people are so grateful, but fundraising must continue to help cover on-going expenses as parents contribute what they can afford, in most cass very little. There is a desperate need for the building of phase two. At present there is no room for Primary age children (6years +)

Update March 2007

We had another wonderful Pilgrimage to Israel in 2005 again led by Andrew White before he left the Cathedral. It was a joy to see the children and the care and dedication of the teachers.

At the time of visiting the numbers at the school had grown to 53 and we learned of the plans to build an extension were passed and that building was due to begin in July that year. It was explained that the demand for places at the school was growing and that the extension was now a priority.

The school is a Beacon of light in the community. It is not only providing an excellent education and is recognised by the authorities as being the best school in the area, but it is also a focal point for the community where parents can meet.

The extension was completed on time for the start of the autumn tern in September 2006 and there are now 83 children.

Amal , the headmistress of the school visited us in November 2006. She spent time at the Bluecoat school Coventry and St. John’s School Allesley Park forming links with the local schools that support the Bethlehem School Project.

She also attended the Diocesan Synod meeting and in addition to explaining the background of the school, giving details of the future plans for the school, she answered questions about the situation in Israel and the difficulties faced by the people living there.

The object of Amal visiting the synod was to prepare the members for a relaunch of the Bethlehem School Project and the Kaduna Project into the Diocese by Bishop Colin, which will be co-ordinated by Bishop John.

Supporters of the Bethlehem School Project were also given the opportunity to meet Amal at a Social Evening held in St. John’s Church Kenilworth. All able to attend thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity of hearing about the school and the current situation in Bethlehem direct from Amal, and also to be able to chat informally asking questions about their own areas of interest and concern.

On December 16 th 2006 the school and the extension was officially opened. It was a major event with many foreign visitors, Patrick Sukdheo and his wife together with all local dignitaries of the church and civil society. Archbishop Mar Seve presided over the ceremony.

Revd Canon Justin Welby represented Coventry Cathedral and presented a new Cross of Nails.

The SOCS committee continues to organise events to raise funds to support the school and members of the committee are prepared to give presentations to churches and church organisations.

If you would like a presentation please contact John Radford 01926-854475

We are currently raising funds to provide furniture and equipment for the new classrooms, pay for the school and teachers insurance and support families with special needs.

Unemployment in Bethlehem is still at 80% as tourism is the main means of earning a living. Since the advent of the “Wall” movement in and out of Bethlehem is very restricted and employment outside Bethlehem almost impossible.

We are also investigating the possibility of funding a School Bus, as with the increase in the number of children attending the school the current bus is not only very unreliable but also too small.