MECC Contributes in Bringing Life Back to Al Sharek School
Al Sharek School stands in the center of Aleppo, Syria, as a testament to a remarkable humanitarian effort recorded in the annals of history with letters of light. The dedicated work undertaken by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and its partners to serve humanity and build individuals is truly noteworthy.
With the restoration and reopening of Al Sharek School, a new future is being written for children whose prospects were almost torn apart by the war, depriving them of education.
MECC has been actively involved in the restoration of this school through the “Restoration Fund for Rehabilitation of Faith-based Social Services & Religious Infrastructure Damaged During the Crisis in Syria” program, in cooperation with “Kerk in Actie” organization in the Netherlands, with the aim of rebuilding what the war had demolished and promoting human well-being.
The opening of Al Sharek School was attended by His Eminence Bishop Magar Ashkarian, the Armenian Orthodox Bishop of the Diocese of Aleppo and its Dependencies, and the representative of the “Kerk in Actie” organization Mr. Dick Loendersloot, a delegation from MECC, the school's principal, teachers, administrators, and members of the Schools Committee affiliated with the Orthodox Armenian Archdiocese.
During the opening speech, His Eminence Bishop Ashkarian expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Armenian Orthodox Church and the students of Al Sharek School to the “Kerk in Actie” organization in the Netherlands and MECC. He emphasized that without their assistance, the restoration and the reopening of this school, which was damaged by the war and the earthquake, would not have been possible. He praised their past and ongoing support in facing the significant challenges imposed by the war, and he wished for more blessings to continue their work and aid to those in need in Syria, especially in Aleppo.
The attendees made a tour in the school and learned about its various sections and the restoration work that had been implemneted. They also unveiled a commemorative plaque for the school.
the representative of the “Kerk in Actie” organization Mr. Dick Loendersloot said; "Today, through our visit, we have witnessed the beautiful and wonderful work that has brought life back to Al Sharek School, a building filled with hope, especially with the presence of the students, teachers, and the staff working together for a new future for this city. This land has faced many challenges due to the war and its consequences, including economic deterioration and displacement. Therefore, we believe that the restoration of buildings damaged by the war will bring hope and life back to the people."
The school principal, Mrs. Nairy Koushkarian, said; "The restoration work at the school, implemented with the efforts of MECC and Kerk in Actie organization in the Netherlands, has brought hope and joy back to the students. It has also restored a sense of security and stability to the people of Aleppo. The restoration work was completed in a short period and did not disrupt the educational process. It has given the school a beautiful and fresh appearance, bringing comfort to the students' well-being."
Mrs. Koushkarian explained that Al Sharek School is the only Armenian school affiliated with the Armenian Orthodox Archdiocese, with approximately 400 students. She emphasized that the Netherlands Church's assistance to Christians in Syria is based on the idea that we are one family, and this aid supports the continued presence of Christians in Syria.
It's worth noting that the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) has worked on the restoration and rehabilitation of several schools in Aleppo and various Syrian provinces, believing that education is a fundamental pillar for those seeking peace and security in the world.
