Hand in Hand Accomplishments in 2006-7

The following are achievements of the 2006-7 school year at Hand in Hand:

·       751 Arab and Jewish students studying in 29 classes in three schools – Jerusalem, Galilee, Wadi A'ra.

·       Recognition by the Ministry of Education to continue through ninth grade.

·       Formulation of plans for Hand in Hand High School Programs.

·       Rapid progress in completing the construction of the Galilee (April 2007) and Jerusalem (September 2007) school campuses.

·      Creation of curricula, texts, guides for teachers, and study materials in: identity; three religions; history; relationship to the land; bilingualism in preschools; and bilingualism in elementary schools.

·      Co sponsorship Second National Conference on Bilingual Education in Israel: Dilemmas & New Ideas, with the University of Haifa's Jewish-Arab Center.

·      Creation of the Hand in Hand Resource and Research Center for documentation and information management in all the schools; on-going teacher training of new and veteran teachers; publishing of multi-cultural daily planner; implementation of the bilingualism curricula in schools.

·       Excellence in Education Campaign launched in three schools.

·       Agreement to open two preschool classes in Beersheva with Arab and Jewish parents and the Beersheva Municipality.

·       Media coverage in Der Spiegel, di Republica, Israel21c, Vatican TV Network, Jerusalem Post, Jerusalem Report, and mention in the website of Academy Award Winning Short Film, "West Bank Story" annoucing that 25% of the profits of the film will go to Hand in Hand and the Parent's Circle.

·       Publication of the book, "Hand in Hand – Jewish and Arab Families in Israel" about parents with children in the Hand in Hand Schools.

·       Community wide activities such as the Olive Harvest Festival, film festivals, Arab author's lecture series, theater events, and holiday celebrations all attracting public participation.