The English- Dialogue Partnership Program plants the seeds for Jewish and Palestinian pupils to interact and get to know each other. Programs such as this already exist in a few mixed cities across Israel. The innovation of this program in the past three years is about bringing this it to the midst of the Israeli- Palestinian conflict, to the city of Jerusalem.
Many people from both sides of the conflict, are very negative towards these co- existence projects. Some are against due to their political views, whereas others would instinctively react with resistance due to fear.
On the other hand, there are some pioneers who believe that these are first seeds that must be planted in order to bring some good to the world. As far as the aims of these projects are concerned, they don’t relate to big agendas such as 'bringing peace' or talking politics, but simply to get to know the other side, and by that, bringing down the level of hatred. One of the prerequisites for this to happen is having meetings on a regular basis between pupils who are 'equals' (in age, socioeconomic backgrounds, and etc..) and having to study together a school subject which is part of both schools curricular.
I feel privileged to take part in this project. This is the third year that ‘Seligsberg’ and ‘Ibn Rushd’ High Schools have taken part in the ‘Dialogue Project'. Both of us, English Teachers, bring together pupils from both schools in the 8th and 9th grades and teach creative, fun English lessons. At the same time, the pupils get to know the other side and barriers come down hopefully bringing down the level of prejudice.
It's a great way to raise the awarness of respect and peace towards the "other". I think this project should be mandatory in schools .
ReplyDeleteObviously , there are so many common things between the kids but still, they are different in an unseen way and learn to meet in a middle point in their learning path. I loved it.
I admire the idea! I think if anything can be done, it should start from the beginning level, like these kind of projects for young generations. Kids, who haven't yet so much been brainwashed by media, politics or people who care only about making money.
ReplyDeleteWow, this project sounds great! It sort of creates a neutral territory, which is English lessons, which serves as a meeting ground for the kids from different backgrounds. And you are right, sometimes small practical things do the job much better than the "big" words.
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ReplyDeleteAccording to me,this project could bring the warring parties(Israelis and Palestinians) to peace .
ReplyDeleteRaising children with these kind of ideas will make them become great political people , great leaders for our future .
There are many programs like that, but since it is not State Level programs don't think they bring big results, but anyway better something than nothing.
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