Opportunity Palestine works to sustain the educational institutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) through development and awareness raising in the United States. We believe that the powerful vision for justice created by the educational ministries of the ELCJHL is essential to overcoming the challenges facing the vibrant and peaceful communities of the Holy Land.
We support four K-12 Lutheran schools in Bethlehem, Beit Sahour, Ramallah, and Beit Jala. The Lutheran schools currently educate over 2,100 students regardless of gender, race, religion, or ability to pay. Peace education and interfaith dialog are embedded in the curriculum and the schools intentionally promote gender balance and equality with co-educational instruction.
Young Palestinians live under a disturbing reality of ever-present violence, making daily life extremely complicated. By providing a consistent, healthy and nurturing environment, the Lutheran schools and educational programs directly address the anxieties and fears that, too often, frustrate the lives of their students. Through a curriculum that integrates peace education and conflict resolution with arts, science and language skills, these students develop the tools needed to navigate their community’s complex and politicized global relationships.
Opportunity Palestine also supports other ELCJHL educational programs including: the Al-Mahaba Kindergarten on the Mount of Olives for children of East Jerusalem, and the Environmental Education Center in Beit Jala.
