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In February 2000, the idea of “Special Programs” was first discussed at St. George’s College, Jerusalem. In response to many requests from “alumni” of College courses, a series of special itineraries and study contexts were developed, reflecting the needs of those who wanted to broaden their experience of the biblical lands, to deepen their spiritual pilgrimage, and/or to focus their journey on contemporary issues of peace and justice. Unfortunately, the outbreak of violence in our region in October 2000 made it necessary to postpone the realization of initiatives of this kind. The first Special Program which actually took place was in January 2001 - a study program for priests of the Diocese of Jerusalem. This set the tone for a series of subsequent programs, and eventually for the formal recognition of the Special Programs Department, at the College, with Dr. Henry R. Carse as Director of Special Programs.
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A Special Programs group
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A Special Program at St. George’s College is a unique learning and/or pilgrimage experience, requested by a specific group, usually designating a time slot different from the dates set for ordinary courses, and usually requiring the construction of a “custom-made” itinerary and very specific teaching content, to match the educational needs and budget of the client group.
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Special Programs are especially appropriate for groups of people (15 or more) with specific interests, wishing to come to the College during a time of their choosing (rather than during the dates of a scheduled course), and wanting to have an active input into the itinerary and study content. Since its beginnings until today, the Special Programs Department has attracted over 60 requests for programs “tailor-made” for groups from all over the world. Of course, not all of these requests bore fruit in the realization of actual programs in the Holy Land, but many of them did. Today, as there is a perceived decrease of hostilities in our region, we are seeing increased interest in Special Programs as well as in the regular College courses.
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Director of Special Programs
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Kids4Peace Friends
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Perhaps the most unique Special Programs have been the Interfaith-Education-for-Peace initiatives for young Israelis and Palestinians – Kids4Peace. These annual interfaith dialogue projects include summer camp experiences for Jewish, Christian and Muslim children abroad. Further information on Kids4Peace can be found on the College website under “Special Programs / Kids4Peace”.
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Special Programs give groups of prospective students and pilgrims the opportunity to work closely with the College in forging a very unique experience of the biblical lands and their peoples. Special Programs have included such diverse projects as study excursions for Diocesan clergy, iconography workshops, a study program for the North American Deans Conference, several parish group pilgrimages (including Desert Pilgrimages), a study tour for an interfaith women’s group, and intensive, affordable and adventurous Sinai excursions for local expatriates and others living in Jerusalem. There are many other ideas still being explored.
If you are interested in requesting a Special Program at St. George’s College, please contact the Special Programs Director carse@stgeorges.org.il for further information.
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