This is how you change lives!

Every time I visit the Vocational Training Program (VTP) in Beit Hanina, East Jerusalem I am struck by the increased quality of the finished products being produced by the students. Whether it is metalwork, auto mechanics, culinary arts, woodworking or any of the other disciplines, you can see higher quality, more complex work every time.

Nowhere in this Lutheran World Federation-Jerusalem institution is this more true than in the Ceramics Department. Instruction in this department is designed to equip students, mostly young women, with the skills to turn out high quality products for the tourist trade, home and industrial use. Combining a high level of art and design the finished products are as good as can be found anywhere in the Middle East.

The department has state-of-the-art pottery wheel, kilns, hand tools and craft supplies and is led by a capable staff.

I think the genius of VTP is as much about how they treat their grads as the quality of instruction. VTP trains people for employment so that the vast majority enter the job market immediately or start up their own businesses. They receive advice and assistance and personal follow up to ensure they are successful.

For grads in ceramics it goes even further. Students have use of the department’s equipment including wheels and kilns and can access expensive art supplies. The department even makes sure those wishing to sell their products themselves have access to a marketing website and expert advice.

This is how you change lives.

Tom Brook
Community Relations Director