NEWS RELEASE

Bethlehem School Principal calls for UK Investment in Peace Education in the West Bank.

UK tour 19 - 29 March 07

London - Guildford - Somerset - Gloucester - Lampeter

Ibrahim Issa, Principal of the internationally acclaimed Hope Flowers School in Bethlehem, is urging the British Government to support the expansion of its pioneering training programme for Peace and Democracy education and psychological support to schools and teachers in the West Bank.

Having applied to the British Foreign Office for funding through its Global Opportunities Fund, Ibrahim says," This project will help create a culture of peace in Palestinian society where human rights and tolerance to differences in religion, or language increasingly become the norm. We aim to help young people manage frustration and become more effective communicators, helping them transform 'resistance' into peace-building"

The innovative Hope Flowers School is also seeking £20,000 a year sponsorship for its "Listen to my Voice" counselling service. Now in its third year this vital community support service provides a "listening and practical ear" for traumatised children and their families.

With world wide support Hope Flowers School has waged a 7 year campaign to halt the building of the Israeli Government's gigantic "Security Wall". Ibrahim says the multi faith, mixed gender school continues to encourage its children to think positively about the future. "Whilst we could see our school cafeteria reduced to rubble because of this "Separation Barrier", here at Hope Flowers we seek to demolish the walls in people's minds."

Ibrahim is meeting various MP's and Civic leaders, plus visits to schools in Guildford and Gloucester and the University of Wales at Lampeter. He also has several speaking engagements. These include:

Monday 19th March (from 2pm to 5pm) Seminar about Peace and Democracy Education at the St. Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace, Bishopsgate, London. Contact Helen Gilbert on 0207 496 1610.

(Note: Change of Venue)

Tuesday 20th March. 7pm at Committee Room 15, Houses of Parliament, Westminster. "Hope Flowers for Bethlehem". Hosted by Ann Keen MP, Ibrahim will explain why he is seeking support for his groundbreaking education and counselling work from the Foreign Office Global Opportunities Fund.

Thursday 22nd March. 6pm to 8pm at Room 822 at the Institute of Education, Bedford Way, London, a Seminar on Peace and Democracy teaching. The evening is jointly sponsored by the British Shalom-Salaam Trust and The Centre for Critical Education Policy Studies. To book, email m.david@ioe.ac.uk or ring 020 7612 6825 or 7911 5577.

Sunday 25th March. 10am to 4.30pm at the Ammerdown Peace and Reconciliation Centre, Radstock, nr Bath. Open to everyone interested in Peace Education. Cost £30 (£20 concessions) includes a cooked lunch. To book, contact 01761 433709 or email: centre@ammerdown.org

Media Contact:

Pam Perry
UK Representative Hope Flowers School.
Tel 01458 832 508
or
Jane Ozanne
(mobile) 07711960644

News Release issued by David Bennett - supporter of Hope Flowers School
(Mobile) 07952 372 132 or 01452 532 221