Nothing says hope like the start of a new year! When we turn over that calendar page, it can feel like anything is possible. And after the incredible way we ended 2022, that’s especially true at Seeds of Hope as we dive into 2023.
We’re overwhelmed with gratitude for all the doors God opened for us in Jericho last year and all the impact and opportunities made possible by your support. We had a strong financial finish to the year, closed out 2022 debt-free, and made great progress toward our 2023 financial goals.
As we look ahead to the new year, we want to share three big goals that we’re working and praying towards. We hope you’ll pray along with us as we work together to create lasting change in our community:
1. Continue to Grow our School
We will continue to add a new grade to the Seeds of Hope school each year. In September of 2023, we will have our first sixth grade class! Because of your generosity, much of the expansion needed for this new grade is already funded. However, the Ministry of Education requires that schools have complete science and computer labs starting in sixth grade. So, to continue our school expansion, we must complete these projects by September. We’re also continuing to negotiate for more land surrounding our school to allow us to keep growing at our current location.
One of the ways we hope to fund our ongoing growth is by continuing to expand our child sponsorship program. In fact, a very generous partner has already committed to fully sponsoring one of our fifth-grade classes next year! Sponsorships like this allow us to keep our tuition and fees low for parents while continuing to provide world-class education.
PHOTO: Our now-fifth-graders cheering in the space that became their new classrooms in 2022!
2. Re-Establish Volunteers in Jericho
After several long years of travel difficulties and disruptions, 2023 will see the return of our beloved volunteers to Jericho! Our Volunteer Team Leaders, Mike and Ashton Hang, along with their two children, are returning this month, and we are thrilled. We have felt their absence and are excited to see new volunteers arrive under their leadership.
Volunteers are a critical part of what we do, and the hope and love that we integrate into all our efforts in the community. We can’t wait to see what they do!
3. Expand our Cultural Center Programs
After the renovations we completed to the Cultural Center last year, we have space to add more impactful programs for our community. We are working on a Hebrew language course and activities specifically for the elderly community in Jericho. As we’ve grown in influence and trust with our community, we know that the older generations play a crucial role in whether Seeds of Hope is welcome in their neighborhoods. We look forward to building relationships and deepening our trust with this group.
PHOTO: Children and students have enjoyed classes in the Cultural Center’s After-School Program for years. We’re excited to expand to include new groups in 2023!
After the success of our Christmas gatherings with the Christian community in Jericho, we’re also hoping to begin a Bible Study at the Cultural Center led in partnership with our friend, Pastor Nihad Salman. “We are hoping to launch the Bible Study this winter or spring,” said Mike Hang, who will help lead the program. “The initial focus will be on the commands of Christ. We hope that community members feel encouraged and empowered to imitate Jesus’ strategy for learning, self-discovery, and impacting others.”
“There is great potential here,” said Khader Ghamin, Seeds of Hope CEO. “Having the opportunity to put the Bible in the hands of men and women in the Christian community and let them read the words of God for themselves—it’s a wonderful and powerful opportunity.”
We can’t wait to see what 2023 has in store. Thanks to your support and partnership, we know it will be incredible. “We are full of hope and peace for what 2023 will bring,” Khader reflected. “We have a growing team returning to Jericho, new church partners being established, and relationships developing both in Jericho and around the world as the Seeds of Hope family grows.”
