A faith-based ministry supporting the only K-12 Evangelical Christian School in Israel.
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NBS' mission and values can be achieved best in an environment that is safe, conducive to learning, and one where parents want to invest in education for their students.
In recent months, NBS has shown itself to be not only a remarkable school, but also a miracle school - one that thrives in spite of overwhelming obstacles. COVID-19, here as elsewhere in the world, has exposed certain deficiencies. One evaluation has led to another. In the process, Friends of Nazareth requested that NBS conduct a holistic assessment of immediate and short-range needs to bring the school to code in all areas of concern. An infrastructure expert team was hired to help conduct this evaluation.
The outcome of their evaluation can be categorized into the following categories.
- Safety and Security
- Digital Preparedness
- Renovations and Re configurations of Space
Friends of Nazareth and NBS are in agreement that these upgrades are essential. A short summary of each herein will help you see the urgency of these needs.
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Evaluations regarding fire, alarms, and security systems were:
Fire control system at the main school is old and not working. It requires replacement. There is no fire control system at the Primary school.
Fire/smoke sensors. The law requires that every closed area of the school must have a smoke alarm with a flashing light outside the area. These don't exist. Sirens are required in large and noisy areas, such as the Chapel, Green Hall, Computer room, and certain labs.
Fire suppression equipment. There are missing, outdated and incorrectly sized fire extinguishers throughout each campus. Some water hoses are too small and the water pressure is inadequate.
Other fire concerns. There are no smoke evacuators in the Green Hall or the Chapel. Areas with wood need to be painted with fire control paint.
Alarm system. The current system at the main school is broken. The Primary school does not have a system.
Security cameras. The current system at the main school is old, inadequate, some cameras are not functioning or able to function properly, none are connected to the educational internet network, so the school is not protected by the government's firewall. The Primary school does not have a system.
NBS and FON are working in partnership to bring these up to standard during the 2020-21 school year. The current
$50,000 matching gift will be used to help with these expenses.
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NBS is a private school and has not and does not expect to receive aid from the Ministry of Education to upgrade to the Digital Age. The government has over the past eighteen years (18) been digitally upgrading public and Jewish schools. The already wide delta is growing between the public/Jewish schools and the private Christian schools.
This relic (Pentium 3, c 1999) to the right is one of the computers in the laboratory! It's life cycle expired a decade or so ago!
FON is working with the infrastructure consultant, computer technician, General Director, principals, Mimi, and teachers to define the spiritual and academic needs for bringing the school into the 21st Century.
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Renovations and Re-configuration of Space
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As we all are aware, the building is tired, crowded and not in compliance with the mandates. The 21st Century mandates from the Ministry of Education are requiring more areas for team or group study. As elsewhere in the world, lecturing is being replaced by facilitating and engaging students in more interactive ways. In classrooms with 38-40 students each, there is no space for round table discussions!
NBS and FON have evaluated the spacing and found two areas that can be converted to M21 (Google it) type spaces. Additionally, there are needs to replace windows or add grates to make the areas safe, especially rooms at higher levels in the buildings. The Friends and Graduates of NBS, a local organization, has raised about $26,000 to help with much needed renovations and space conversions.
Good news!
The Chapel ceiling, new windows and duct work for a future central air conditioning system are complete! It looks beautiful. The chairs are pending - but, will be added - ordering imports is not easy at this season. Thank you FON donors!!!!
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Fatina Abdallah - Retires
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Fatina Abdallah has served in the Kindergarten for the past 28 years. She has taught most graduates of the past fifteen classes!
She is originally from Cana of Galilee. Her children are graduates of NBS. Her husband Joseph also worked in NBS as a Biology teacher some time ago.
Fatina has been active with the group of ladies who organize the annual Christmas Bazaar to benefit those in need. She expressed her desire to continue to volunteer and to help in whatever capacity at NBS.
Photo: Left, Botrus Mansour. Middle, Fatina, and Right: Muna Metri, Kindergarten teacher and Fatina's colleague.
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NBS and FON welcome Dr. Aziz Daeem as the incoming NBS High School Principal. Dr. Daeem is a seasoned educator with a passion for "Educating for Life" by building a student's character, faith and academic profile. FON looks forward to partnering with Dr. Daeem on initiatives such as Potter's Wheel Youth Center, Student Leadership University, Leadership Training, Digital Age and other initiatives.
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Registration is open at www.friendsofnazareth.org for FON's next Spiritual Enrichment Journey. We invite you to join us for this life-altering journey.
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Thank you for praying with Friends of Nazareth for the many needs of FON and those that we serve. The Lord is always listening...prayer is our direct line to Him. May this information help you pray more intentionally for FON and NBS.
"This is the confidence that we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." 1 John 5:14
- The world. May the Light of God illuminate so brightly that no one can deny His existence. May wise men still seek Him. It's a broken world. Friends of Nazareth longs to bring Light to Nazareth and the world.
- Our team on the ground in Nazareth. We are so thankful to be serving in the hometown of our Lord. The needs are great and your prayers sustain us!
- The leadership of NBS. They are facing so many challenges. School has ended, with the exception of those taking exams. The 2020-21 schedule is uncertain as is how instruction will be delivered.
- The Digital Age and NBS. These needs are great and they are urgent.
- The parents who are unemployed need your prayers.
- The local churches. Pray for the churches to become stronger in their faith and in their ministry outreach.
- The teachers. There are so many uncertainties. Pray that God will make His intentions clear.
- The students. May the students stay healthy and safe during this time of vacation.
- Israel's leaders. Pray for the many decisions that they have to make in terms of COVID-19 and education. Israel remains closed to all visitors! Most areas have some form of lock down.
- Friends of Nazareth financial needs. Give thanks for the generous donor who has promised a $50,000 matching gift. FON's fiscal year ended on June 30, 2020. Non-audited receipts were down about 40%. Thankfully, expenses were also managed. Pray for a positive response to the matching gift initiative.
- Summer Programs. We are praying, and ask you to pray, that the lessons taught at the camps in previous years are bearing fruit. All summer programs are cancelled due to COVID-19.
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Please mail donations and correspondence for Dr. Roger Mardis to:
Friends of Nazareth
%HBC
219 Simpson Street
Florence, AL 35630
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Friends of Nazareth (FON), A Nazareth Educational Ministries Association (NEMA) Corporation, is a n0n-profit corporation. It is operated exclusively for educational and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the corresponding section of any future Federal tax code. Our tax ID is: 59-3800059.
FON reserves the right to withhold up to 5% of designated donations for administration.
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Stock Donations
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Please contact the NEMA-FON broker for assistance.
John Dupuis
Wells Fargo Investments
201 N. Court Street
Florence, AL 35630
256.764.1000
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Consider setting up a fundraiser on Facebook to benefit Nazareth Educational Ministries Association (Friends of Nazareth). Simply search donations on Facebook. Click on Facebook Shortcuts, Fundraisers.
Create your post.
Invite friends to participate and post on your homepage.
Facebook does not take a fee for charitable gifts. Therefore, all of the donated funds come directly to NEMA-FON.
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Friends of Nazareth
219 Simpson Street
Florence, AL 35630
470.297.5913
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