Latin Patriarchate, schools of excellence: 95% of students pass final exam

There are 43 institutes spread across Jordan, Palestine and Israel. In Zababdeh and Birzeit, in the West Bank, 100% successfully passed the final test, the Tawjihi. In the West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza the average figure is 71.32%. The school facilities host young Christians and Muslims.


Bethlehem (AsiaNews) - The Latin Patriarchate schools in the West Bank, Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip are also proving to be institutions of excellence this year, according to the results of Tawjihi, the general certification exams for upper secondary education. Over 95% of students have passed the tests, with a figure that reaches 100% in the institutes of Zababdeh and Birzeit, in the West Bank.

According to the website of the Patriarchate (LPJ), this year 267 pupils out of a total of 280 of the Christian schools have passed their exams, which complete a curriculum consisting of two years of preschool education, 10 of basic education and two more of secondary or vocational education. Students who have completed the process can now plan a future enrollment in colleges or universities.

In a letter sent to students, teachers and administrative staff, Fr. Jamal Khader, director of the Latin Patriarchate schools in Palestine, expresses deep gratitude and satisfaction "for the efforts made in a difficult context". Last but not least, the coronavirus pandemic that has increased difficulties, not only in attending the institutions but also in obtaining financial contributions to support their activities.

In the 2019/2020 academic year, 77,539 students took Tawjihi exams across the West Bank, Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. According to data provided by the Palestinian Ministry of Education, 55,302 young people successfully passed the test: a figure of 71.32%, far lower than the value recorded by Christian schools. The highest figure regards scientific and humanist institutes, with success rates of 99.7 and 99.6% respectively.

The test represents one of the most important steps for the life and future of every Palestinian student, and the final grade can in many cases be functional to the choice of the university or college for future studies. The average of these exams decides whether or not the student will be able to access the degree and a possible doctorate; those who fail one of the three tests, can take advantage of a second chance to pass and, if successful, can aspire to university education in the following school year.

The schools of the Latin Patriarchate arose in connection with its recreation in 1847; their original goal was to educate young Christians who lived in Palestinian towns and villages. Today there are 43 institutes, spread across Jordan, Palestine and Israel. They are accessible to everyone. Students have to pay a fee, but the poorest families and the most deserving pupils receive subsidies and scholarships to attend.

The schools employ around 1,800 teachers, administrative staff and educators, who provide education to 19 thousand Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Druze children. If compared to other structures, in some cases the schools of the patriarchate appear old and need to be restored; however, the educational methods and the quality of the instruction given appears to be at the forefront not only for the school, but also for sports and cultural activities.