Inauguration of the Community Mural “Building the Future” in Bethlehem — A Symbol of Inclusive Education and Community Inclusion

The Bethlehem Municipality and QADER for Community Development, with the support of Finn Church Aid (FCA), inaugurated the Community Mural “Building the Future” on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, at the Peace Center in Bethlehem.

This mural was created as part of the project “Promoting the Inclusion of Students in the Latin Patriarchate Schools in the West Bank,” which aims to foster an inclusive educational environment that embraces diversity and ensures equal opportunities for all students, including persons with disabilities, while empowering them academically and professionally. The mural embodies a shared vision that inclusive education is the foundation of justice and equality, opening pathways for persons with disabilities to access equitable economic empowerment opportunities and actively participate in the Palestinian labor market—thereby strengthening their inclusion in society and contributing to sustainable development. It also expresses hope and faith in the community’s ability to build a future based on inclusion, creativity, and citizenship, serving as a lasting symbol of collaboration between institutions and the local community toward inclusive education and economic empowerment for all.

During the ceremony, Ms. Lucy Thaljieh, Deputy Mayor of Bethlehem, affirmed that the “Building the Future” Community Mural represents a vision of an inclusive society that provides equal opportunities for all its members, including persons with disabilities, across education, culture, and civic participation. She emphasized that the mural reflects the belief that education, art, and inclusion are essential pillars for building a just society—one that enables individuals to develop their abilities and actively engage in their community and the Palestinian labor market, contributing to social justice and sustainable development. Ms. Thaljieh stressed that persons with disabilities are true partners in building and giving back to society, possessing unique talents and capabilities that enrich public life and inspire greater creativity and humanity. She reaffirmed the Bethlehem Municipality’s commitment to strengthening the values of inclusion through sustainable initiatives and projects that ensure a fair, accessible, and welcoming environment for everyone, providing opportunities for all residents to participate in the development of their city. She concluded by affirming that Bethlehem will continue to stand as a model of a humane city that believes in equality and embraces all its sons and daughters without exception.

For her part, Ms. Nadine Nashashibi, Education Program Manager at Finn Church Aid (FCA), highlighted that this event reflects the ongoing partnership between FCA and QADER under the slogan “Together We Build the Future,” aiming to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities and empower them in all aspects of life, education, and work. She expressed her gratitude to the Bethlehem Municipality for their valuable cooperation and for dedicating the wall that has become a vibrant mural symbolizing hope, belonging, and the future. Ms. Nashashibi commended the participation of students who, through their artistic expression, embodied the values of inclusion and awareness of each individual’s role in society, as well as the schools that helped advance inclusive education grounded in equality and acceptance. She stressed that children with disabilities do not need sympathy—they need opportunity—and that providing an educational and healthy environment that meets their needs and enables their participation is key to building a fair and inclusive society. She underlined that inclusion is not a choice, but a right and a necessity, calling for continued awareness-raising and community initiatives that foster an inclusive and accepting environment for all. She concluded by noting that this artistic creation is not merely a mural, but a practical step toward building a society founded on justice and dignity for every person.

In her remarks, Mrs. Shireen Mauge, Chairperson of the Board of Directors at QADER for Community Development, affirmed that this project reflects QADER’s and its partners’ strong commitment to creating an inclusive educational environment that values diversity and provides all children with equal opportunities to reach their full potential, regardless of their abilities or circumstances. She explained that inclusive education paves the way for persons with disabilities to access fair educational and professional opportunities, opening doors for employment and economic empowerment, and contributing to the development of a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society. Ms. Mauge added that the “Building the Future” Community Mural conveys a human message of hope, inclusion, and creativity, designed by artist Lana Kaoush in collaboration with QADER’s Student Council and volunteers from Bethlehem University—affirming that art is a powerful tool for expression and change. She concluded by stating that this mural will remain a lasting symbol of collective cooperation and a renewed call for inclusive education and economic empowerment that paves the way toward a better future for all.

At the end of the ceremony, attendees gathered at the mural site on Beit Sahour Street, where the “Building the Future” Community Mural was officially unveiled amid an atmosphere filled with pride and accomplishment.