Programs and Events 2008
U.S. Consulate and Al Quds University Support Talented Palestinian Students in Science-Oriented Summer Camps
In a gala closing ceremony, officials from Al Quds University and the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem praised the talented Palestinian students who participated in a series of science-oriented summer camps held at the Al Quds campus. Following the ceremony the students proudly displayed the science exhibits showing their achievements during the summer camps to family, teachers and mentors.
Dr. Hasan Dweik, Vice President of Al Quds University, presided over the ceremony and congratulated the schoolchildren on their achievements. He thanked the U.S. Consulate for its generous support and said he looked forward to continued opportunities for cooperation.
Praising the Al Quds for its dedication to developing the skills and imagination of Palestinian schoolchildren, Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm, Consul for Press and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem, said “the U.S. Consulate is proud to be a part of this effort to help these children build a better future for all Palestinians. We hope this program has inspired these children.”
The 110 talented Palestinian schoolchildren, all between 12-15 years old, from East Jerusalem participated in two 5-week-long summer camps organized and implemented by Al Quds University with the support of the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem. The Al Quds program engaged these public school students, who were selected for the summer camps based on their past achievements and future potential, in activities that stretched their imagination, deepened their scientific curiosity, and helped them acquire new skills. The activities were also designed to enhanced the students’ self-confidence and help them consider future study and career possibilities. The students participated in hands-on workshops in the fields of biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, and the environment. They then worked on individual projects that they developed with the assistance of a mentor. They also received instruction in civic education that enhanced their communication and problem-solving skills, and taught the importance of community involvement.
The U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem has demonstrated its commitment to creating opportunities for Palestinian youth by sponsoring many educational summer camps across the Palestinian Territories over the past five years. This summer, in addition to the Al Quds summer camp, the U.S. Consulate and U.S. Government supported six additional camps in Nablus, Hebron, Qalandia, Jenin, and Gaza in partnership with various Palestinian organizations.
View photo gallery. Text of PAO Speech
