Visit in August 2016

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I spent two days in Gaza the first day joined the 18 teachers of our four pre-schools who met with a music teacher. Our original plan was to have a three day workshop for the 17 teachers so that they could all learn how to animate their children with music and dance.

After meeting with the music teacher he suggested that he give each teacher a test to see if she would benefit with a serious course in music. Nine of the teachers were tested and are capable of learning to read notes, work with rhythm and learn to play the recorder. With these skills two from each school can go from class to class helping to integrate music into the school.

Parties and programs during the school year will be transformed with song and dance will bring joy to many. The final arrangement came to the 9 teachers going for one month to a serious course three times a week for two hours. Last year we had given each class percussion instrument for these preschoolers; yet on visiting the many classrooms they were not being used properly. Now the instruments were saved until the teachers with the training can put them to good use.

We visited one family who need home repairs badly. They live on a sandy floor with not bathroom or kitchen. We hope to begin renovations for this family very soon.
The next day we went to the shop where we had provided 100 families who are extremely poor to receive a uniform for two of their children. Sabah and Wasel had given the factory, which were to make the uniforms, the numbers, sizes and the name of the school for each child. The factory did an excellent job; this you can see by the pictures Sabah took. The pictures also show the joy of the children on receiving their uniforms.

Schools started already August 28^th. in Gaza. They will stop for a week with the arrival of the feast of Adhak. The food program began the 28^th and due to the generosity of our benefactors will continue so.
Sister Susan

the photogallery