What is Hope Flowers School?

Hope Flowers is an independent private K-7 school located on a hillside of South Bethlehem, where 220 children are given a progressive education based on Montessori methods with an intercultural, interfaith, conflict-resolution and democratic emphasis.

The curriculum covers English, Arabic, religious education, mathematics, science, arts, history and current national issues, computers and citizenship. Extracurricular activities include agriculture, environmental care, drama, dance, folklore dancing, music and performing arts.

Children are taught to value their own dignity while affirming the value of others. Their attitude and enthusiasm reflect a stable, caring environment and an openness to other cultures.

Why support Hope Flowers School?

In the mornings the school teaches the nine mandatory subjects required by the Palestinian Ministry of Education. Its special character shines out in the afternoons, evenings and holidays with extra-curricular teaching in peace, democracy and community-building.

The peace and democracy education seeks to teach children how to handle confrontational and difficult situations, how to stand up and make their contribution in public and how to work with others to resolve interpersonal and social issues. It also includes trauma-recovery counseling for the children and their families.

It's not only in conflict-ridden areas where such an education is needed — most countries suffer their own forms of violence and social abuses. Yet in the context of the decades-long conflict in Palestine, necessity has given birth to cutting-edge methods which are now becoming increasingly important for the wider world. The Hope Flowers School doesn't just seek support: as a kind of educational prototype it has a lot to offer the world.

Graduates emerge into adulthood with tools to make the best out of life and to do the best for all people.

Hope Flowers seeks funding support, educational contacts and volunteers to help in teaching and project development at the school.

Hope Flowers School (HFS) has three levels of peace education, for teachers, parents and students. The basic rule of all these levels is “peace starts with you.”

§ HFS teachers subscribe to the school's philosophy. The school provides training in empowerment and compassionate listening as well as joint Palestinian-Israeli teacher workshops.

§ HFS involves parents in workshops and trainings in addition to providing counseling for children and their families.

§ HFS promotes reconciliation and understanding and creates a safe space for students in which they can explore their creativity and innate potential.

The support of concerned Americans can make a huge difference in the Hope Flowers school program. Consider making a financial contribution on behalf of your faith group, student group or individually.

How can you support Hope Flowers School?