A Future of Peace

By Laura Sheahen

Being a teenager can be tough in any country, but Palestinian teenagers face more challenges than most. The political situation in the West Bank and Gaza can make some young people feel bleak about their futures.

Catholic Relief Services works to give these teens a sense of hope and possibility. Our programs introduce young people to potential career paths, teach them about democracy, and encourage them to help the less fortunate.

The programs cast a wide net. With direction from parents and teachers, high schoolers in the city of Bethlehem volunteer at senior centers and homes for the disabled, cleaning rooms or helping feed patients. In Gaza, recent college graduates research social problems and possible solutions. In rural villages in the West Bank, children learn how to use computers. And in Jerusalem, teen groups take part in activities from media training courses to hospital visits.

The students overcome fears along the way. "At first I was afraid of going there," says 15-year-old Mariam about visiting children with disabilities as part of a CRS program. "I was afraid of seeing the babies who are sick and have so many problems. But when we did volunteer work there and played with them, it was really nice." The group activities also help with shyness. "I never used to like to talk in front of people," says her classmate Raneen, 14. "But now I have more confidence."

'Many Solutions'

The students go on field trips to businesses like newspapers and dental offices to get a feel for the careers they can look forward to. They also visit government leaders and hold Democracy Days, voting in student elections. There are programs in the environment and human rights, along with programs in nonviolence that teach kids constructive ways to cope with anger.

"I thought that the only solution in solving any problem is to curse, kick, hit," says a student from St. Joseph's School in Bethlehem. "But I've realized that there are so many other solutions for solving problems."

Students from a girls' school in Bethlehem also visited a battered women's shelter in the area. "This opened channels for girls to talk with their mothers about these issues," says Ghaida Rahil, CRS project officer.

Basil, a 15-year-old who goes to the Frères School in Jerusalem, says the programs "gave us knowledge about our country." He's visited historical sites like churches, and hopes there will be a camping trip. His mother Roula helps plan the activities; she'd like the students to visit the Palestinian parliament.

School staff hope the programs will put other stereotypes to rest. "Peace education and democracy are so important," says Salameh Bishara, the principal of Beit Sahour's Evangelical Lutheran School, where CRS funds a youth program. "We need these skills to create a better society for the future."

Lina, a ninth-grade student at the school, says the programs have helped her decide what to study: She wants to be a journalist. They have also increased her sense of community responsibility. "We must care for others," she says.

With its value-based programs, CRS seeks to bring out the best in future Palestinian leaders. "These programs taught me that there's not only us in the world," says a student from St. Joseph's. "There are so many people out there that need help."

Laura Sheahen is CRS' regional information officer for Europe and the Middle East. She is based in Cairo.