HOPE IN WAR- BETHLEHEM

 

 

During this week we call holy, we call attention to two very important issues dealing with suffering humanity. This one, is a program for children, and the next deals with those who died and whose descendants now live in same area.

The HOLY CHILD PROGRAM in Beit Sahour, a Palestinian town 2 miles east of Bethlehem and 6 miles from Jerusalem,  was founded by the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist to help children who suffer from untreated complex mental-health issues and experiences of intergenerational trauma.  These are the same sisters whose order ran the ferry and general store on Shaw Island for 27 years, so we are very close to and supportive of their work.

Recently, with the help of many USA donations, they were able to buy the building where the school is, ensuring on- going programs.

 It is the only therapeutic and alternative education program in the West Bank. Right now there are 35 students at a time, about 60% Catholic and the rest are Muslim. Their motto is:  Instilling Hope through Healing, which fits right in with the Jubilee year of HOPE.

 “Almost 95% of the children, who range from 5 to 15 years old, come through our program and upon graduation either continue their education in government or private schools or enroll in special education or vocational programs. Some, if they are old enough, get a job,” said Francis Barillaro, vice president and treasurer of the Bethlehem Holy Child Program, told the Register in an interview. “We take kids who are often shunned because of their disabilities, and they are now able to go home and support themselves or help support their families. We bring some stability to them and their family and their community.”

There are also parent groups, which are free not only to the HCP parents, but to any family in the community, especially families who we are unable to enroll in the program but need special services.

Culturally, families who had children with emotional or physical problems would often experience shame and a limitation of marriage prospects, as such difficulties were looked upon as God’s punishment. Home visits, crisis counseling and referrals to medical and social services as needed.

 

All schools in Palestine are required to teach the Quran to Muslim children, even though the children study their own religion.  How do they integrate being  exposed to such different religions? Every morning they discuss with each other what they have learned in religion class, highlighting similar values and practices. They do not focus on the differences, but live, work and play together.  

 Palestine has no teacher training for special education, so our friend from Seattle, Diane Magdalene Rzegocki, who has more than 25 years of experience as a clinical social worker, helped the Holy Child Program adopt, and provided training to give teachers the needed skills.

Students are enrolled in the Holy Child Program for two to three years; 96% of the program’s graduates continue their education in government or private schools or enter vocational programs or the workforce. They are followed for two years afterward to make sure that they’re successful in their placement.

At a time when this area is suffering due to so much strife, it is comforting to know that there is a glimmer of HOPE for children and families, who can spread their knowledge and gifts.

(Photo:  Diane Magdalene on right with Cathy Goodrich, both on the Holy Child Board-  their children are married.)