JERUSALEM, September 23, 2009 (WAFA)- The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem sponsored a series of school beautification projects in Jenin, Hebron, Nablus, Salfeet, and Bethlehem.

 In a press release the Consulate said Wednesday, these projects were designed to stimulate a sense of civic duty and pride for youth in the West Bank as a way to serve their community and improve their schools. 

Students cleaned walls, painted murals, and cleared the yards of twenty-two schools in the West Bank.  Several of the murals include such elaborate and intricate artwork that it will take anywhere from three to five days to complete.  In addition to the school beautification projects, the U.S. Consulate General sponsored several Iftars that included performances of traditional music and dance, as well as a “cultural quiz event” highlighting the history and culture of both Palestinians and Americans.

Over 500 youth participated in the school beautification projects. Esperanza Tilghman, Public Diplomacy Officer for the U.S. Consulate, emphasized that “the Consulate is a strong supporter of programs designed to engage Palestinian youth in activities that will inspire them to become leaders in their communities.” Mr. Naser Al-Ardah, Director of Partners for Sustainable Development, offered special thanks to the U.S. Consulate General for supporting this initiative, stating, “There is great value in youth volunteerism. Schools and local communities benefit by our working together to improve our shared resources.”

This is the second year the Consulate General has sponsored school beautification events during Ramadan.  Last year’s successful program in the Jenin district was expanded this year to the additional four districts.