SIRA schools, Palestine

Our partner, the Swedish International Relief Association (SIRA), runs two schools in the West Bank (Bethlehem and Jericho). These schools provide specialised education for about 140 children each year, aged 6-12, with various learning difficulties. They are the only specialist education schools in Palestine.

SIRA also builds knowledge about special education methods among parents and teachers in other schools in Palestine. Through early training and using specific teaching methods in small groups, they support more students with learning difficulties to complete their education and contribute to society. 

The schools address specific challenges in the West Bank. The ongoing Israeli occupation has heavy economic consequences, one of which is limited resources for education. Resources for children with additional learning needs are particularly stretched. Large class sizes mean that it is difficult for teachers to give these children the personal, individualised support that they need. Sadly, many children with learning difficulties drop out of school. 

Bible reading

‘For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book
    before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
    they would outnumber the grains of sand—
    when I awake, I am still with you.’

Psalm 139: 13-18

Thought

This beautiful psalm reminds us of God’s love and care for individuals. Each person has been lovingly created in his own image – nobody is a number or a statistic. The staff at the SIRA schools reflect God’s concern for individuals. Each child is seen as a whole person and their unique gifts are celebrated and cultivated.

Ask yourself: God’s love and care for the psalmist (David) causes him to cry out in praise in verse 17. What can you praise God for today?

Prayer

Father God,

We rejoice in the fact that you have created all human beings in your own image. May we recognise the inherent dignity and worth that you have bestowed on us – may it cause us to lift others up and seek to make the world a better place.

We pray for the children who attend the SIRA schools in the West Bank. Thank you for the opportunities they have to learn and grow. May your hand be upon them for good. Despite the many challenges they face, may they flourish mentally, physically, spiritually and academically.

We pray for the teachers. Thank you for their care and dedication. May you bless the work of their hands and cause them to continue finding joy and purpose in their work.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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