We have met on two occasions and plan to meet again on 7th March, which is about every six weeks. Our meetings have focused on initiatives that teachers are already involved in or new ideas for campaigns and activities, which we feel are important for us to begin. Some teachers have already begun introducing Palestine, its people and culture into their curriculum areas in their classes and at the same time working on producing materials for use in classrooms.
In fact, it was noted that, attempting to put Palestine on the map which in many cases is noted by its absence, would be a worthwhile activity in itself! Research has shown that 60% of people don't know where Palestine is.
We agreed to produce this website so that more teachers could hear about the group and what we are doing as well as invite and welcome more teachers to come on board.
Other teachers are beginning to organise a social event and will be inviting the co-authors, Sonya Nemer from Palestine & Elizabeth Laird, of "A Little Piece of Ground" as well as the well known writer Michael Rosen. One teacher has made links with the British Council world-wide pen pal scheme and will be linking her students up with a school in Palestine. A visitor from Jenin in the West Bank has been invited by a teacher into a school in East London to talk to students in her classroom. A list of books is being compiled that will be useful in classrooms from primary to secondary and beyond. During our Easter break two teachers are organising a tour of Palestine for teachers.
All teachers are invited to join us at our next meeting on 7th March at Friends Meeting House, room 11, which is in Euston Road, opposite Euston Station. Palestinian teachers need our support especially in this time of crisis. So do come and join in the variety of activities that are going on or Links. TfoP will be linking with other organisation also involved in a just peace for Palestine such as the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Jews for justice for Palestinians.
Labels: activities, links, meetings
