The School of Hope in Ramallah
The School of Hope
The Evangelical Lutheran School of Hope draws its name from 1 Corinthians 13:13 (“And now abideth faith, hope, and love…”) and strives to provide an excellent education to the students of Ramallah. The School of Hope is located near the bustling center of the West Bank city of Ramallah and mirrors the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the city. With 60,000 people in its metropolitan area and over 280,000 in the surrounding governorate, Ramallah is one of the primary centers of Palestinian government, business, arts, and culture. The Palestinian National Authority offices are located in the city, along with many of the largest businesses, schools, and cultural centers of the Palestinian territories.
In August of 2017, the School of Hope acquired the newest facility of the Evangelical Lutheran Schools’ four buildings. The new school building creates more opportunities for students to learn and grow.
Core Values
Regardless of religion, gender, capabilities, or financial/social status, the school aims at serving the whole Palestinian society. Christians are a minority in Ramallah, a fact reflected in the makeup of the student body. The school is a model in the community of cooperation and tolerance among its diverse students.
The School of Hope instills in its students a number of social and religious values in order to create responsible and responsive citizens, including belonging, love, faith, forgiveness, honesty, justice, humility, responsibility, and respect for life.
Special Activities
Striving to continue its unique position in Palestinian life, the school has always emphasized curricular and extracurricular activities that build purposeful relationships with local and international organizations and provide experiences that will develop graduates who excel in their contributions to society.
The School of Hope features many exciting activities to engage students beyond the traditional subjects. Highlights include the after-school English club, sports teams, scout troops, the Information and Computer Technology Unit, and the renowned al-Raja Dabke Dance Group which performs both locally and internationally.
The student council is also particularly active at the Evangelical Lutheran School of Hope. The first of its kind in any school in Ramallah, the council works to engage the school in community service projects, shape the school’s policies and environment, coordinate educational events such as visits from local speakers, and plan school celebrations and gatherings.
History
Founded in 1965, the school was nurtured and embraced by people with administrative and educational competencies, who at that time realized the country’s continuing need for knowledge and education.
The school was hard hit during the Spring 2002 invasion of Israeli troops into Ramallah. Israeli forces imposed curfews which forced all people to remain at home, resulting in classes being canceled. During this period, a group of Israeli soldiers broke down the doors to enter the empty school and vandalized much of the school building. Neighbors could hear glass and wood breaking in the school and telephoned the pastor to keep him updated. The curfew continued for a few more days, but as soon as it was lifted the pastor, headmaster, staff and church members hurried to the school with cameras to record the damage and begin cleaning up. Students and families assisted with the repairs and cleaning so that classes could resume as soon as possible. Within just one week, the students were back in school.
Quick Facts
Students: 445
Gender: 62% boys, 38% girls
Religion: 16% Christian, 84% Muslim
Teachers and Staff: 40.5
Contact
Website: http://www.alrajaa-edu.ps/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Evangelical-Lutheran-School-of-Hope-in-Ramallah-132065127311393
Telephone: +970 2 295 3977
