Welcome to Hope Secondary School in Beit Jala

Hope Secondary School was founded by the Mennonite Community in 1962, mainly for refugee children in the Bethlehem area.  It began with 40 boys aged between 12 and 15 years, and with four teachers.  The school provided not just an education, but also food, clothing and a home for those boys who needed it.

In 1972 girls were accepted, and today there are about 140 students aged 12 to 18, and of these 25 are girls.  Christian and Muslim students and staff study and live side-by-side at Hope School.  There are a few disabled children, and the building has been adapted so that they can get around easily.  Many of the children come from difficult home situations, but despite this every effort is made to provide them with the best possible level of education.

 The Principal, Solomon Nour, has taught in the school for 35 years and has been Headmaster for 15 of these. 

The name 'Hope School' was chosen by the pupils themselves in 1977.  The school motto is a verse from the Bible: 

'For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.'  (Psalm 71 verse 5)