Anglican Communion News Service

The Arab Evangelical School, located in the West Bank city of Ramallah are facing the problem that parents are neglecting to pay their children's tuition. Administration officials say this phenomenon has become increasingly common at the school, forcing them to make some tough decisions. All families have felt the economic repercussions of the continuing conflict in the region. The city of Ramallah, a jewel of the West Bank just a few years ago, has suffered extensive damage since the latest Intifada started two years ago.

"It's hard to judge who can pay and who can't," said Sister Vreni Wittwer, director of the school.

Funding problems are just one sign that the Arab Evangelical School, an institution of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, faces challenging times. The school has a very lively scholarship program, and actively solicits support for its students from all over the world. No one is asked to leave the school for the inability to pay fees. Still, school officials say they are thankful for the support they have received from overseas donors, and say they trust that the Lord will provide.

Indeed, the Arab Evangelical School stayed open from October till the present time despite regional curfews. During the latest siege the school had about 90 percent attendance from its some 540 Christian and Muslim students. Meanwhile, Israelis loosened army-mandated curfews for the Muslim celebration of Ramadan, providing slight relief for the students and faculty during an otherwise dark time, administrators say.

Article from: ENS by Nancy Dinsmore