About
Over 70 years of madking a difference.
Our Story
Rawdat El-Zuhur, meaning “Garden of Flowers,” is a charitable organization and elementary coeducational school in East Jerusalem, established in 1952 by Elizabeth Nasir. Initially founded as a home for destitute girls, the institution has evolved to provide quality education to Palestinian children, emphasizing the celebration and teaching of Palestinian history and culture. The school follows the Palestinian Authority curriculum, with Arabic as the primary language of instruction, and places a strong emphasis on English language learning from the first grade. Music holds a special place in the school’s programs, reflecting the founder’s belief in its power to enrich the human spirit. Despite regional challenges, Rawdat El-Zuhur remains committed to fostering hope, justice, and peace through education.
Our Mission
Rawdat El Zuhur is a non-governmental non-profit women’s organization that supervises Rawdat El-Zuhur elementary school and kindergarten. It aims at bringing up a new generation that values citizenship, the environment, excellence creativity and leadership.
Our Vision
Our vision is for Rawdat El-Zuhur to become a model school in terms of location, space, and physical infrastructure, as well as in the effectiveness of its management, and teaching methods and staff.
The Start
Rawdat El-Zuhur was established by Elizabeth Nasir (Lizzy) as a home for destitute girls in Jerusalem, Jordan. The idea originated after she encountered two young girls begging to support their sick parents.
First Steps
With support from the Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem and other donors, Lizzy launched a program offering literacy, hygiene, housekeeping, embroidery, religious education, and music.
Recognition
Elizabeth Nasir received a special certificate from the National Recreation Association of the USA for “Enriching the Human Spirit through Recreation.”
Israeli Occupation
The occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and Gaza, created new challenges. Rawdat El-Zuhur shifted its focus from eliminating child begging to providing formal education.
Becoming a School
Rawdat El-Zuhur became a full coeducational elementary school with support from organizations like the Norwegian Refugee Council and ARAMCO.
Kindergarten
A kindergarten section was added to the school, and new students were admitted primarily at the kindergarten level.
Lizzy Passes
Elizabeth Nasir passed away, leaving behind her legacy of education and empowerment for Palestinian children.
Present
Rawdat El-Zuhur continues as a Palestinian elementary school under the management of a women's organization. It follows the Palestinian Authority curriculum, teaching English from the first grade and Hebrew and science in English from the second grade. The school also offers extracurricular activities such as Dabkeh (Palestinian folk dance), robotics, music, UCMAS and more.
Building our Children'sFuturethrough the provision of equitable, qualitative, and holistic opportunities for pre-school and primary education.
Citizenship & Environment
Awareness of the principles of good citizenship, and concerned for the environment.
Creative Thinking & Excellence
Capable of thinking creatively, and analyzing logically and critically, offering and accepting positive criticism, and excelling in performance.
Life Skills
Equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to assume leadership in a democratic society which they would develop and preserve.
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