The history of the school of Santa Maria of Jericho

The History of the School of Santa Maria of Jericho A long history of hope that risks coming to an end

In 1932, while Palestine was experiencing the tensions of the British Mandate, Jericho was a small agricultural town. The Franciscan Sisters arrived to offer a future to the local girls. They transformed their simple huts into classrooms during the day.

At the beginning of the 1950s, Jericho came under Jordanian control and became an important administrative center. Palestinian refugee camps emerged in the surrounding areas. The institute began to take shape with more solid buildings, welcoming an increasing number of students.

In 1964, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was founded, marking the beginning of a new phase of tensions in the Middle East. Thanks to the support of benefactors, the school expanded, continuing to offer stable education in an uncertain context.

In the 1980s, Jericho was marked by the Israeli occupation and the tensions that culminated in the First Intifada of 1987. At their desks, students learned to read with confidence, finding in the school a place of growth and hope.

In 2004, Jericho was still affected by the Second Intifada, with checkpoints and tensions aking daily life difficult. The school expanded thanks to funding, with four new classrooms built on the terrace, allowing up to 500 students to be accommodated.

In 2021, Jericho faced the consequences of the pandemic, which worsened the economic crisis. The absence of tourism left many families without income. Despite the difficulties, the school, with our support, ensures education and shelter for those who cannot afford it, remaining a beacon of hope.

"A school that closes takes away with it the right of every child to have a space to learn and grow as an individual and as a future member of society."