In recent weeks, I have been sharing reflections about the recent FUM-sponsored pastoral care trip to Ramallah Friends School. During our week there, we had the privilege of visiting classrooms, engaging with teachers, and connecting with the students. Amidst the ongoing conflict and its inherent stresses, our students are a ray of light. Their brilliance and kindness, in my opinion, truly represent the world's hope for a more peaceful and stable Middle East and beyond.
It's inspiring to note that nearly all Ramallah Friends School graduates—an impressive 98%—go on to pursue higher education, both within Palestine and at universities across Europe, Canada, and the United States.
One of the most impactful experiences of our visit was attending the 10th Grade Expedition. This program challenges students to design innovative products or solutions that address pressing issues within their own community. We were particularly moved by how many students focused their efforts on helping the people of Gaza rebuild once the war concludes. We saw remarkable designs for water filtration units, solar energy systems, and other life-sustaining products. One student even printed a book to help children process their emotions, while another ingeniously devised a way to create building blocks from rubble. The sheer empathy expressed by these young minds is truly amazing. They are, without a doubt, a profound hope for a better world.
Kelly Kellum
