Youth and Student Support

Palestinians are one of the most educated and literate communities in the Arab world. However, the psychological trauma experienced by young students amidst the ongoing conflict is contributing to an educational crisis. Drop out rates have become more frequent. Access to schools and universities is extremely difficult due to checkpoints and curfews, complicated permit systems and segregated transportation routes, the separation barrier and military activity by the Israel Defense Forces and Palestinian militants.

HLCS education projects intend to assuage the negative consequences of the conflict on school children and ease the economic burden on parents by making education more accessible and affordable to poor families.

HLCS scholarships are offered to elementary, secondary and high school students in Bethlehem and Aboud. Students attend private Christian schools. A total of $61,000 has been provided to over 300 students.

Below are sample of letters received to HLCS from recipients of our scholarships:

Job Creation and Microfinance

Palestinians are one of the highest recipients of foreign aid per capita, yet the political consequences of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has had serious negative consequences on the growth of a Palestinian economy. The unemployment rate in the West Bank and Gaza is 23.6% and poverty rate is approximately 40.3% according to latest published World Bank sources. Palestinian Christians site economic problems as one of the leading causes for their emigration. For up to date information on the Palestinian economy click on the following link to the World Bank website.

HLCS realizes that for long-term sustainable development in the Palestinian economy to be achieved, political obstacles need to be removed. Until then, HLCS projects aim to increase economic opportunity through funding creative mechanisms that inject much needed economic assistance into local communities. Promoting short-term job opportunities and providing small microfinance loans supports the dwindling Palestinian Christian community through setting up the groundwork for sustainable income generation in the future.

• HLCS funding for church restoration and home renovations creates local jobs that help reignite hope where it's been lost. The St. Joseph's Church project generated X jobs into the Bethlehem community.

• HLCS supports the traditional olive woodcarving industry by encouraging the tourism industry in the Holy Land and making carvings available for purchase in American churches. To learn more click here.

• HLCS microfinance loans accelerate the professional development of Palestinian Christians in all sectors, including agricultural and construction. Loans are given in the amount of $500 and are repaid in $50 installments over time. Since 2006 a total of $15,000 has been provided in this effort.

Maher Abdallah Sharqawi is a carpenter in Aboud. He used his loan to purchase new machinery to enhance the production of his wood cutting. Marwan Nicola Fawadleh is a blacksmith who works in Ramallah and Aboud. He used his loan to buy a new machinery and equipment.

Basic Humanitarian Assistance