Since its foundation in 1620, the school in Acre has been a landmark for education but also for intercultural encounters. The Custody of the Holy Land wanted to give a "new life" to the school, completely renovating it and inaugurating it on 1 September. Br BADIE ELIAS, ofm Director of the Terra Sancta schools in Acre and Nazareth This school has a long history and many important people graduated here and were able to contribute to society. SAMIS ASSI Ex-Imam of the Al-Jazzar Mosque Many citizens of Acre turn their attention to this school, support it so that it can maintain its cultural and educational role and consolidate its importance for society. The Custody of the Holy Land has always been committed to making education in its schools a central point in the life of every student. For this reason, a project has been prepared for all schools to modernise their infrastructure, so that they can respond effectively to the demands of modern life today. This dedication to providing quality education reflects a deep commitment to the educational development of future generations. Br BADIE ELIAS, ofm Director of the Terra Sancta schools in Acre and Nazareth The school from a structural point of view was in bad shape, the classrooms like the building were in disrepair, there had been no maintenance for years. For this year, we tried to renovate all the classrooms. Br IBRAHIM FALTAS, ofm Vicar Custody of the Holy Land I was in Acre a year ago, and I was very surprised that the school had qualified: it was in ruins, and I was very worried and scared that something might fall on the students. We cannot accept situations like this in our schools. Despite minimal resources, but with will and faith, Brother Badie was able to complete the renovation work necessary for the start of the new school year. The modernisation work, on the other hand, is still in progress. Br BADIE ELIAS, ofm Director of the Terra Sancta schools in Acre and Nazareth This is the mission of us Franciscans: we care not only for the stones, but also for the living stones, from the students to their families. We try to give them a bright future, because only through education can we change the world and society. Br IBRAHIM FALTAS, ofm Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land I am happy because I have seen with my own eyes the change in this school. These results are very important, I have seen the joy and satisfaction of the students. Classrooms fixed, new study desks: this will reflect positively on the students and their creativity. LARA ABU RAHMOUN Acre Honestly, I was very surprised by the renovations that were completed in the school. When I returned to the classroom, I felt comfortable. I hope the school will continue like this and become more and more beautiful. In a letter addressed to the teaching staff, Brother Ibrahim urged them to continue sowing love in their students, given the recent increase in violence within Arab society. Br IBRAHIM FALTAS, ofm Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land What society is experiencing in the Arab world these days is very difficult. There have been 163 deaths since the beginning of the year. If young people had been educated in love from an early age there would not be so many crimes. The Terra Santa Acre school has opened new doors to a bright future!