Winners of the Know Europe contest celebrating with EU Representative Tarraf (left) and Minister of Education Sabri Saidam. (Photo courtesy of Sky) 

RAMALLAH, Wednesday, February 13, 2019 (WAFA) - The European Union and Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education crowned on Tuesday Dar Al Hikma Girls School from East Jerusalem after winning the first place at the “Know Europe” contest.

Mustafa Hafeth Primary school from Gaza came second while Rameen Boys School from Tulkarem won the third place in the crowning ceremony held in Ramallah and attended by European Union Representative Ralph Tarraf and Minister of Education Sabri Saidam.

For the second year in a row, the contest was organized in Palestine with the participation of 80 schools and over 500 students across the West Bank and Gaza. It took place in Ramallah, Jenin, Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, Tulkarem, Qalqilia, Gaza City and Rafah.

The "Know Europe" contest was introduced in cooperation with the Ministry of Education to communicate to the Palestinian public the founding principles of the European Union, as well as cultural and historical ties with the region. The contest is an interactive way to share European culture and history with Palestinian students.

Saidam stressed the importance of this competition in demonstrating the strong ties between Palestine and Europe as well as enriching the knowledge of students with regards to the European continent.

He commended the efforts exerted to execute this competition, expressing pride in the partnership with the European Union while congratulating the winning schools and participants of the competition.

The Minister stressed the ministry‘s constant quest to organize such competitions which connect the Palestinian students with the world and which create a competitive spirit that positively reflects on the students.

"I am very pleased to have witnessed such enthusiasm for this contest. It was a great opportunity to highlight the links that connect the EU and Palestine. It is important that we work hand in hand in order to promote a deeper understanding of Europe, its institutions, culture and history. All the schools showed great commitment to the contest and did an outstanding job in preparing the children," said EU Representative Tarraf.

Students expressed their happiness and joy to take part in this interactive contest. Bushra, a 12 year old from Tulkarem said "the Know Europe contest was great! I got to learn about Europe‘s history and accomplishments around the world. The questions in general were good but I wish we had prepared better for it to win!"

The European Union and the Ministry of Education launched the competition in Hebron on 29 October with the participation of public, private and United Nations-run schools.

M.K.