Creating Our Future…Imparting New Hope
Progress Report
The
International Center of
Bethlehem
&
The Dar al-Kalima Academy
Dear
friends,
Salaam from Bethlehem,
On behalf of all the ICB and Dar al-Kalima staff
members as well as the beneficiaries, we would like to thank you for your
commitment to our work, continuous prayers and support.
The last year was, without any doubt, the most difficult year in our lives.
The invasion of Bethlehem and of many other Palestinian cities, the total
collapse of the tourism industry, the unemployment rate of over 75% in our
region, the traumatization of children and adults
and above all the lack to see the light at the end of the tunnel of the vicious
circle of violence have all presented big challenges to our lives and work.
Yet, in the midst of it all, and under very difficult circumstances, our staff
was very busy bringing hope to this hopeless situation determined to
create a brighter future and to impart new hope.
In the middle of all the destruction, the construction at Dar al-Kalima
wellness Center and Conference Center went on. Thus,
creating hundreds of job opportunities and at the same time making a statement
like that of prophet Jeremiah that we will not give up on our land. In
the midst of destruction we are building and creating prospects. And in the
midst of unemployment, we are upgrading the skills of young professionals
through training. By employing new marketing strategies we are helping artisans
to earn their income in dignity and through the work of their hands. And in the
midst of trauma we are bringing healing and wellness into the lives of many
children and youth through art and music. Last but not least, through advocacy
work we are giving a voice and a face to our people.
Going through troubled waters in 2001, the Center proved to be a beacon of hope
for Bethlehem, a place with a special ecumenical spirit and a place of genuine
encounter between Christians and Muslims, between Palestinians, Europeans and
Americans.
Now we are looking forward to May 2002, where new facilities will be inaugurated
at the School and the Center. In this way we will reach out to many more people
in need! With the help of our Lord and with your support, we can move mountains.
We thank you all and present you with a report on the programs and developments
that have taken place at the ICB and the Academy in the year 2001.