Many years ago, when Alaa Farahat’s first child was getting ready to go to school, she knew she wanted better opportunities for him than she had growing up. She wanted him to have a good education, a positive environment, and to learn English so that he wouldn’t be limited later in life. Alaa herself struggled with English and felt limited when it came to job opportunities later in life.
But in the remote area they lived in—almost 30 minutes on foot from the home she and her husband had built to the nearest paved road—educational options were limited. Fortunately, Seeds of Hope had visited her village recently to share about their new school, and Alaa was thrilled to hear about our educational standards and English curriculum.
“I visited Seeds of Hope with my child, and once I stepped in, I fell in love with it,” remembers Alaa. She enrolled her son and used to walk him over 40 minutes each way to school every day. No matter the weather, she made sure he was there.
What started as a search for better education became a journey that changed her entire family’s future. Alaa had always valued volunteering, so she asked if she could start helping at the school. Deep down, she really wanted to work as a teacher, but she knew she wasn’t qualified because of her limited English skills. That didn’t stop her from getting involved as a teacher’s aide in the classroom.
“I loved the people at Seeds of Hope, especially the volunteers from other countries,” she recalled. “They treated me very well and cared so much for me. We started to exchange home visits, and grew in love and compassion for one another.”
Over the next decade, Alaa would enroll all three of her sons in Seeds of Hope school. Slowly, she learned English and accomplished her goal of becoming a teacher at Seeds of Hope. She became a beloved member of our staff, and her relationships with the people at Seeds of Hope grew.
PHOTO: Alaa and two of her sons pose with long-term Seeds of Hope volunteers, Ashton and Regina, and their children.
“Alaa is one of my very closest friends—more than a friend, actually, she’s a sister,” shared Regina Shaheen, one of Seeds of Hope’s long-term volunteers. “When I first moved to Jericho, she was one of the first people to invite me over again and again. I ended up spending hours with her, getting to know her and her family, and learning the Arab culture and language.
“I witnessed what an outstanding woman she is,” said Regina. “She’s been through many hardships but has always come out stronger than before. I never thought I’d have a sister like her, from such a completely different background than my own, and I will forever be grateful for her in my life.”
It was a huge celebration when Omar walked into Seeds of Hope Preschool on his first day!
Five years ago, Alaa gave birth to her fourth son, Omar, who was born with significant special needs. While this change in their family caused her to step back from teaching, she remained connected to Seeds of Hope.
Not only did she have a community of loving support around her when she needed it most, but Seeds of Hope was able to help Omar get the care and medical intervention he needed. We’ve walked alongside their family for the last five years as Omar has grown.
Recently, we welcomed Omar into the Seeds of Hope preschool. And with him, we welcomed Alaa back to our school as a part-time teacher.
“I spend my life with Omar between hospitals and surgeries,” said Alaa. “Seeds of Hope is my place to breathe. It’s a relief for me.”
Alaa is just one story out of thousands of people who have been impacted by the Seeds of Hope community. There are countless other stories of adults, children, and families who have been changed for the better because of Seeds of Hope.
That impact would not be possible without your generosity. From our school curriculum to the medical aid to the long-term volunteers who make Jericho their home, Alaa’s life would be completely different without Seeds of Hope. And Seeds of Hope would not exist without you.
As we come to the end of the first quarter of 2025, we need your help to keep that impact going. We want to write more stories like Alaa’s. We want to see relationships flourish and children grow physically and spiritually.
We need to raise $92,000 more to fully fund all our Q1 Operating Expenses. This milestone is critical to continuing the year on a solid financial footing. Additionally, our Q2 Operating Expenses are estimated to be $291,000.
With the effects of the war still ongoing, we’re still offering many families additional tuition assistance. That, combined with the loss of the funding that typically comes with project teams, leaves us with a more significant gap in operating expenses than usual.
Help us close this funding gap through a special donation or child sponsorship today.
Through Seeds of Hope, Alaa found a sense of purpose and a second family that continues to support her as she navigates the challenges of raising a special needs child. The bonds she has formed will last a lifetime.
We want that same thing for everyone who interacts with Seeds of Hope—that they would find a community of encouragement, love, and belonging. And ultimately, that they would embrace the truth and light of the Gospel.
Thank you for making stories like Alaa’s possible. Your generosity directly impacts families you may never meet, but who are forever changed because of your investment!
