Students at Saviour's Episcopal School in Zarqa, Jordan enjoy an educational game with water balloons in the courtyard. | |
A JOURNEY OF INSIGHT: AFEDJ VISITS JORDAN | |
Earlier last month, Executive Director Eileen Spencer and Director of Individual Giving Sarah Schofield-Mansur embarked on an inspiring journey to Jordan. During their visit, they had the unique opportunity to tour all six of the Diocese of Jerusalem's Jordanian schools. Meeting with teachers, students, and administrators, Eileen and Sarah saw firsthand the profound impact of our supporters' generosity and the ongoing challenges these schools face. Their interactions provided a heartfelt glimpse into the daily lives and needs of these vibrant educational communities. | |
Theodor Schneller School, Marka, Jordan: The Rev. Dr. Khaled Freij, Director, and wife Rana Freij pose with students in the vocational baking program. | |
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During our visit to each of the six schools in Jordan, we were warmly welcomed by staff, educators, and students in each community, experiencing firsthand their dedication and resilience. Institutions like the Holy Land Institute for the Deaf, Arab Episcopal School, Schneller School, and Saviour’s Episcopal School beautifully demonstrate inclusivity in education by offering essential services and opportunities to all children, regardless of their ability and background, perfectly embodying the spirit of equity and opportunity by ensuring that children who might otherwise be left behind receive the education they deserve. While these schools serve some of the most marginalized communities, they also face significant infrastructural and material needs to better meet their standards of care.
In contrast, the well-resourced and thriving Ahliyyah School and The Bishop's Kindergarten showcase the transformative power of comprehensive support. The stark difference between these schools and those in need underscores the importance of AFEDJ’s work and ongoing support. By addressing these disparities and ensuring all diocesan schools receive the necessary resources, we uphold the values of inclusivity and fairness, creating a brighter future for every child in the Holy Land. Your support is crucial in bridging this gap and fostering an environment where all students can flourish.
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In addition to visiting the schools, Eileen and Sarah attended the Diocese of Jerusalem's annual synod meeting. This important gathering brought together clergy, lay leaders, and other stakeholders to discuss the diocese's current work, priorities, and future initiatives. By participating in these discussions, Eileen and Sarah gained valuable insights into broader goals across the diocese along with the critical need for sustainable support and development in its many humanitarian institutions.
This trip has deepened our understanding of the on-the-ground needs in Jordan and strengthened our partnership with the Diocese of Jerusalem. Eileen and Sarah returned with a renewed commitment to our mission and a clearer vision of how AFEDJ can continue to support and uplift the most vulnerable communities in the Holy Land.
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Executive Director Eileen Spencer (left) and Director of Individual Giving Sarah Schofield-Mansur (right) at Majma, the Diocese of Jerusalem's annual synod in Amman, Jordan. | |
As we continue our journey, we ask you to consider donating to this life-changing work. Your contribution to AFEDJ has a direct and lasting impact on the lives of children and families in Jordan and throughout the Holy Land. | |
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Together, we can continue to change lives and build a more equitable future. To learn more about the schools mentioned in this article, click on the links below:
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UPDATE ON THE JERUSALEM PRINCESS BASMA CENTRE IN GAZA
The Jerusalem Princess Princess Basma Centre satellite unit at Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza is operational!
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Heart to Heart from Jerusalem to Gaza: The Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre's Gaza team at the newly re-opened satellite unit in Ahli Arab Hospital on June 1. | |
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The Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre (JPBC) satellite unit in Gaza is operational and positioned to provide much-needed rehabilitation services for children, especially those undergoing emergency surgery. The unit, located at Ahli Arab Hospital (AAH), has recently expanded its team with the addition of a new general doctor, Dr. Said, and a second physiotherapist, Fadi, who will join their social worker, Musa, in delivering crucial care.
Following a meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) Rehabilitation Task Force for Gaza, which highlighted the urgent need for rehabilitation services for Gazan children post-surgery, JPBC swiftly responded by launching this multidisciplinary team on June 1. Supervised remotely by their medical team in Jerusalem, the team will service patients experiencing severe injuries, prioritizing post-operative rehabilitation for children affected by the recent conflict.
Despite sustaining minor infrastructure damage over the course of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the JPBC satellite unit at AAH has been refurbished to ensure safe operations. AAH, currently serving as the primary trauma center in Northern Gaza Valley, offers a crucial platform for the JPBC team to deliver rehabilitation services. This includes not only physical therapy but also essential psychosocial support for both the children and their families.
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JPBC's Medical Director in Jerusalem explains:
“Timely rehabilitation prevents complications and gives children the best chance of thriving following life changing operations, especially amputations. With so many children undergoing serious orthopedic surgery every day, we need to provide this rehabilitation in our new unit now. The need is huge."
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The JPBC team in Gaza City has recently assessed the medical and rehabilitation needs of 18 children with disabilities at a local shelter, devising tailored intervention programs and psychosocial support for each child. Meanwhile, their displaced therapists in Khan Younis and Deir Al Balah are providing emergency rehabilitation services in collaboration with local clinics and member organizations of the East Jerusalem hospital network operating in Gaza. | |
New Physiotherapist, Fadi on his first visit to the church shelter to work with the children. | |
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Despite the challenging circumstances, the dedicated JPBC teams remain steadfast in their commitment to providing emergency intervention with compassion and expertise. The Gaza-based team of five practitioners collaborate regularly and receive supervision, support, and advice from the multidisciplinary JPBC team in Jerusalem. Through collaboration and determination, they strive to deliver the highest quality of care to children in Gaza, ensuring they receive the support they need to recover and thrive.
It's through the generosity of supporters like you that JPBC is able to create and sustain the outreach that yields such profoundly positive impacts on their communities. Your generous donation, designated "where the need is greatest," fuels hope, sustains communities, and transforms futures.
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AHLI ARAB HOSPITAL (AAH) CURRENT SNAPSHOT
For a comprehensive overview of the events and updates concerning AAH and its outreach clinic in Rafah since the conflict began on October 7, please refer to this article.
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GOING TO GENERAL CONVENTION?
Let AFEDJ know by filling out this form so we can say hello! We hope to see you there.
The 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church will meet in Louisville, KY from June 23 – 28, 2024.
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AFEDJ offers a safe, secure channel to make gifts to support the work of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and its humanitarian institutions. | | | | |
