Syrian Orthodox Christian School in Bethlehem Project
In March 2000 Canon Andrew White of Coventry Cathedral led a diocesan pilgrimage to the Holy Land. There the group met members of the Syrian Orthodox Christian Church in Bethlehem. Many in this community of 3000 (including 800 children) have missed out on formal education due to the lack of recognition of Christianity in local schools.

At the start of the new Millennium came new hope as the Barnabas Fund together with members of Coventry Cross of Nails Community bought a dilapidated building in the suburbs of Bethlehem suitable for conversion to a school. Reconstruction commenced using local labour and volunteers. The school opened in September 2003 with just 15 children. The quality of care and education was quickly recognised and demand for places grew rapidly necessitating the need for more accommodation. A third floor was added to the build in 2006 providing 5 more classrooms. This was officially opened in September 2006, a very high profile occasion with many foreign visitors and local dignitaries of church and state attending. Canon Justin Welby represented Coventry Cathedral on behalf of Bishop Colin and presented a new Cross of Nails. The intake increased to 117 children in 2006 and this year 2008 there are 145 children two of which are from Muslim families.
The school is in fact recognised to be one that is offering the highest standard of education and pastoral care and trainee teachers are sent to the school form Bethlehem University as part of their teaching experience. Further extension to the school is planned, and it is our prayer and hope that this will be completed to enable students to be educated to Grade 12.
The aim of the school is to preserve the Aramaic language of Jesus.
The Mission of the school is to educate the young in a healthy environment that cherishes and caters for the spiritual, psychological, mental, physical and social aspects that comprehends love, peace reconciliation and democracy with the full understanding of human rights.
 There is no state funding because the school is Christian. Therefore like every Christian school in present day Palestine revenue depends on fee-paying students and outside financial help.
Many supporters have visited the school since its conception in the year 2000. All have been overwhelmed by the reception they received from the children, teachers and parents, all are so delighted with the school which is a Beacon of Hope in a very dark area of the world. They send their sincere thanks for your prayers and support.
The situation in Bethlehem has improved since the days of the Intafada. However there is still a very high level of unemployment resulting in the fact that families find life very hard and many continue to suffer from lack of food and basic medical care. We therefore continue to seek funding to pay for teachers salaries, school fees for the very poor children who would not receive a Christian education and provide equipment for the new classrooms.

The SOCS committee raise these funds by encouraging church members and local school children to support the project with their prayers and financially. We also organise social events to raise funds. Members of the committee are always happy to come to your church or group and give a presentation.
If you can help to improve the lives of the children in Bethlehem with your prayers or financially. Please make your donations payable to Coventry Cathedral Bethlehem School Project. For further information please contact John or Jean Radford 01926-854475  
Why support this project
Families will remain together as a unit
Young people will have a good Christian Education
The project will encourage other Christians in the Holy Land.
Education will bring greater opportunities for work.
Respect for a marginalised Christian community will increase.
How can YOU Help?

• Pray for peace in the Holy Land
• Pray for the school and head teacher Mrs Amal Behman, and the children and teachers.
• Raise awareness of the situation (invite a SOCS group member to give a presentation).
• Buy a piece of equipment for the school or give a donation