Palestinian refugees helped by education project
With escalating levels of violence in the Middle East,The Norfolk-founded John Aves Education Project (JAEP) is keeping in close contact with the students they support.
JAEP was set up in memory of Revd Canon John Aves who died nearly 20 years ago while working in the Dheisheh refugee camp near Bethlehem.
John’ widow Anne continues much of the work alongside a small team of trustees, whose vision is to continue John’s passion of improving the lives of the people in the refugee camp by providing access to education.
The charity is in contact with their partners at Al Quds University a campus university in Abu Dis near Bethany and the students they support. They report that checkpoints in the West Bank are closed, which means travel is restricted, so universities are shut and teaching and learning has returned online.
Last week they heard that four young men were recently killed in Abu Dis / Bethany. Anne said, “Our students tell us of nightly incursions into Dheisheh and other camps in the West Bank by IDF soldiers. How difficult must it be to live and study, in such volatile surroundings.”
“The work of JAEP feels even more relevant as a grass roots project that financially supports the university education of young adults living in Dheisheh Palestinian Refugee Camp in Bethlehem.”
To date JAEP has funded 80 adults (61 female, 19 male) living in Dheisheh to study for an undergraduate degree.
The charity is currently funding 20 students continuing to the next year of their studies.
Some of the students who graduated this year - pictured above
Anwaar studied Midwifery at BU
JAEP spent time with Anwaar at BU in February. Anwaar spoke about the increasing rise of domestic abuse and how this is now included in the curriculum. Anwaar graduated in July 2023 and is now seeking full time employment. She dreams of one day teaching midwifery at university.
Razan studied Dentistry at AQU
JAEP first met and spent time with Razan in February 2020 at Al Quds University. Her mother had just died from cancer. Razan graduated from Al Quds University in July 2023 with a very good evaluation.
She said, "Thank you JAEP for your finance, you help us in many ways, especially to motivate us to be more focussed in our study to be able to graduate".
Yasmeen studied Medicine at AQU
During her three years of study JAEP has seen Yasmeen mature into a confident young women who is looking forward to working as a doctor in her community. Yasmeen said, "Many students hope to achieve their dreams but, financially are not able to do this so thank you to all who support JAEP, I hope you will be able to support many more students in the future".
For the 10th successive year, the charity is selling Christmas cards. Card sales in 2022 , made a profit of £2234. The proceeds fund one student for more than one academic year. Cards are available from
the Original Norwich Christmas Card Shop (ONCCCS) in St. Peter Mancroft Church, Revelation on Redwell Street and Norwich Cathedral Shop. Donations can also be made at https://www.jaep.org.uk/donate
Marking JAEP's 20th anniversary
Next year will be the 20th anniversary of John’s death. JAEP plans to mark this anniversary by holding services in the churches John served at to give thanks for his life, celebrate the achievements of JAEP, and to give thanks to the amazing support the charity has received.