Some of the students who graduated from the Beit Hanina Vocational Training Center in East Jerusalem. Photo: LWF Jerusalem
Holy Land Bishop Imad Haddad and LWF Representative Sieglinde Weinbrenner celebrate new graduates
(LWI) – Moments of hope and resilience still emerge from the heart of Jerusalem, despite ongoing challenges for Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza and other regions.
Bishop Dr Imad Haddad of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) made these remarks when he congratulated students graduating from the Beit Hanina Vocational Training Center (VTC) on 9 May in East Jerusalem.
“Pursue your talents, hold on to hope and build your future with determination,” Haddad told the young men and women. The 121 graduates of the 74th cohort of the Beit Hanina VTC obtained certificates in various fields including carpentry, pottery and handicrafts, culinary arts, and auto mechanics. These practical skills will support their transition into the labor market.
The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Program in Jerusalem runs the VTC in Beit Hanina and a second one in Ramallah, in the West Bank. Ms Sieglinde Weinbrenner, LWF representative for the region, emphasized that “vocational training has been at the heart of LWF’s work, empowering thousands with skills and livelihood opportunities.” She thanked parents, donors, partners, and staff for their continued support and commitment.
The training has opened professional pathways and employment opportunities for women despite the difficult job market.
Nataly Haikal, a graduate of the Beit Hanina Vocational Training Center in East Jerusalem.
One of the graduates, Nataly Haikal, hopes to establish her own business in the future and become known as a chef. She described her journey as “an amazing experience” through which she had learned many new skills and received strong support from both teachers and the LWF team. “The training has opened professional pathways and employment opportunities for women despite the difficult job market,” she noted. She expressed her happiness and pride in celebrating this achievement with her family.
The VTP Director presents a gift to Bishop Imad Haddad, featuring a portrait created by the Vocational Training Program trainees, during the graduation ceremony. Photo: LWF Jerusalem
The VTP Director delivers a speech during the graduation ceremony, addressing trainees and highlighting their achievements and the importance of vocational training in strengthening skills and opportunities. Photo: LWF Jerusalem
Proud graduates at the graduation ceremony. Photo: LWF Jerusalem
Highlighting the importance of technical and vocational education training, director Mr. Yousef Shalian, said institutions such as the LWF VTC increase trainees’ employability, and encouraged the new graduates to enter the job market with confidence.
The war in Gaza and the broader Israeli- Palestinian conflict makes life extremely challenging for Palestinians. Checkpoints and additional borders in the West Bank are increasingly difficult to navigate and settler violence puts more lives at risk. LWF continues to advocate for peace and justice at the global level, while providing health care and vocational training programs through its Jerusalem Program, including the Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem, as well as support to the ELCJHL.
Bishop Dr Imad Haddad addressing the graduation ceremony in the Beit Hanina Vocational Training Center, East Jerusalem. Photo: LWF Jerusalem
Ms Sieglinde Weinbrenner, LWF representative for the Jerusalem program, addressing the graduation ceremony in the Beit Hanina Vocational Training Center, East Jerusalem. Photo: LWF Jerusalem
Nada Kastiro, a graduate of the Beit Hanina Vocational Training Center in East Jerusalem. Photo: LWF Jerusalem
