From The Holy Child Program in Bethlehem - A Message of Hope From the City of Peace.

"... the Kingdom of God is made up by such as these." Matthew 19:14

Nestled in the quiet village of Beit Sahour, just three kilometres from Bethlehem and ten from Jerusalem, the Holy Child Program (HCP) stands as a sanctuary of healing, learning, and hope for children and families in the Holy Land. Since its founding in 1995 by the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, the Program has served as a lifeline for children suffering from severe emotional, behavioural, and psychological challenges—often the result of trauma, conflict, and instability that have affected generations.

The Holy Child Program is an intensive therapeutic day program and alternative education centre, designed to address complex mental health and developmental needs in a safe and nurturing environment. Children come to HCP when other schools cannot meet their needs, and families come seeking hope for their sons and daughters who have been turned away, misunderstood, or left behind.

A Holistic Approach to Healing

At the core of HCP’s philosophy is a simple but transformative belief: healing happens within relationships—between child, family, teacher, and community. The program integrates clinical therapy, individualized education plans, social skills training, and family counselling. Parents are active participants through structured support such as the Incredible Years parenting program, which equips them with tools to guide their children’s emotional and behavioural development at home. The program pays special attention to girls, who are often overlooked because they internalize distress rather than display aggression. For many, HCP is the first place they are truly seen, heard, and supported. Each student’s journey is different, but all are united by the Program’s mission: to instil hope through healing.

A Regional Hub for Learning and Partnership

While its heart is in Beit Sahour, the reach of the Holy Child Program extends far beyond. Students come from Bethlehem, Beit Jala, Hebron, Jericho, and other neighbouring communities. Teachers and social workers-in-training join from Bethlehem University, Birzeit University, and Stavanger University in Norway, blending local experience with international perspectives. Volunteers travel from as far as the United States, Japan, Australia, Germany, Jordan, and the Netherlands to lend their skills and compassion.

HCP’s commitment to education and capacity-building continues to grow. Its most recent outreach includes training staff at An Najah University in Nablus in the Incredible Years Autism program, and leading parent support groups as part of a research collaboration. Local partners such as Lifegate Rehabilitation in Beit Jala, the Ephpheta School for the Deaf, and the SOS Orphanage in Bethlehem have also sought HCP’s expertise, recognizing it as a leader in therapeutic education and family intervention.

Stories of Transformation

Every child at the Holy Child Program carries a story of resilience.

Hiba, once ostracized and hidden from classmates after stress caused her hair to fall out, found healing and confidence at HCP. Her hair grew back, her smile returned, and she went on to score among the top in the national Tawjihi exams. Today, she studies engineering and continues to visit the Program she calls her “second family.”

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Reema, who grew angry and withdrawn after losing her father, rediscovered joy through therapy and her mother’s participation in the parenting program. A simple homework assignment—to read with her daughter 15 minutes a day—sparked a neighbourhood-wide reading movement that replaced television time with story time in dozens of homes.

George, a survivor of abuse, learned to rebuild trust and reclaim his sense of safety. His love of animals became a source of healing, and he is now a professional photographer.

Usama, diagnosed with autism and heavily medicated as a young child, found patience, structure, and support at HCP. Over the years, he learned to communicate, make friends, and eventually thrive—today he works with his father raising Arabian horses.

These stories, and many others, reveal the deep impact of compassionate care combined with evidence-based practice.

Commitment to Excellence and Transparency

The Holy Child Program has remained steadfast through changing times. Guided by volunteer Franciscan lay affiliates since 2008, the Program continues its mission with a commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency. HCP was awarded the GuideStar Gold Seal of Transparency in 2022, reflecting its integrity in stewardship and operations.

Every member of the Board of Directors donates their time and professional expertise, ensuring that resources go where they are most needed—toward the children and families of the Holy Land. In 2025, a major milestone was reached when HCP purchased its longtime building in Beit Sahour, officially registered under the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The acquisition secures a permanent home for the Program and opens the door for expanded services in the years ahead.

Children from the HCP on the Sea of Galilee as part of the annual spring trip

A Future Rooted in Hope

Since 1995, the Holy Child Program has been changing lives—quietly, steadfastly, and with love. With a graduate placement rate of nearly 95%, its model of healing through education has proven that transformation is possible, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Through faith, compassion, and community, HCP continues to embody its founding vision: a place of hope and purpose where every child can rediscover dignity, belonging, and the courage to dream again.

Over the last month, Pilgrims of Hope for the Holy Land - a group from Liverpool - have been in contact with the Principal of the Holy Child Program, Mr. Iskander Khoury

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The Holy Child Program, Bethlehem is the subject of our Christmas appeal and Christmas card campaign! We've worked with the Principal of the Program - Mr. Iskander Khoury - and the children of Beit Sahour to design some unique Christmas cards. Click on the image to see the selection and buy some today!

Please buy a card or donate and share. Help bring hope through healing to the children of the Holy Child Program today!