Where hope is born

Faced with the difficulties of accessing education in Palestine, Alia chose not to wait. Next to her home she has set up a kind of tin-walled classroom, with a few chairs, tables and old rugs.

Every day she volunteers her time to welcome children under the age of five. With initiative and determination, she has turned an idea into a first educational experience for her community.

During the summer camps she has already proven her abilities, looking after almost forty children with creativity and a sense of responsibility, even during a settlers’ raid on the village. Now she wishes to improve her training and asks us to support her with instruction, teaching materials and financial help.

With winter approaching, the space needs to be made warmer and more welcoming.

For the children, this means being able to listen to stories, learn new words, draw, count and discover the joy of learning together, gradually preparing for primary school.

We want to support and strengthen Alia's initiative, recognizing her role as its promoter and accompanying her as she develops her skills.

We brought a blackboard, while books, crayons and games have already arrived and were received with joy. It is she, with her knowledge of the community and her dedication, who brings this space to life every day.

In a reality marked by so many hardships, Alia has chosen not to give up. She opened a space, called the children in, and began creating, day after day, new opportunities for them.

It is true that there is only a tin room with a few old rugs, a blackboard and some crayons. But there, amid the voices of the children and their first lessons, something great is already happening.

Hope has the face of Alia, but it grows in the eyes of every child who, thanks to her, discovers that they can learn, grow and dream.

Sr. Cecilia Sierra, Comboni Missionary Sister